Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has clarified the situation with Rhys Norrington-Davies.
Norrington-Davies signed a new contract with the club on Wednesday, extending his stay at Bramall Lane until 2024.
The defender is currently midway through a season-long loan at Luton Town, but some are wondering whether he might get a recall.
Norrington-Davies has impressed both in the Championship and on the international stage. After making his debut in October, the 21-year-old now has three caps for Wales.
After signing his new deal with the Blades, Norrington-Davies said he can play anywhere on the left side of defence. Generally seen as a wing-back this term, the youngster added that playing in a back three is also something he can do.
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These are two positions where United have had trouble in 2020/21. Injuries to Jack O’Connell and Enda Stevens have largely created this.
Wilder has already started five different players on the left side of central defence. Meanwhile, three have featured at left wing-back.
During that time the South Yorkshire have failed to keep a single clean sheet and have lost 10 of their 11 Premier League matches. It’s the worst start in the top flight since it was rebranded in 1992.
Heading into Sunday’s match with Southampton, the Blades are bottom of the table with just one point.
Therefore, calls to bring back Norrington-Davies in January seem logical.
Sheffield United boss on Norrington-Davies
Wilder has previously said he has “no intention” of recalling Norrington-Davies from Luton early.
Yet perhaps defensive issues and the news of a new contract might lead to a change of mind.
However, Wilder has clarified his position on Norrington-Davies once and for all.
“There’s no recall. We wanted him to go out there for a season and building a career for himself,” the 53-year-old told BBC Radio Sheffield.
“As you can imagine, playing for Rochdale and playing in the Premier League is a big step.”
The latter part of this is in reference to the loan spell Norrington-Davies had at Spotland in 2019/20, playing 34 times for the League One club.
Making the step up to the second tier therefore makes sense, but Wilder is right not to rush the Welshman.
Going from League One to the Premier League in six months could be a culture shock.
Max Lowe is an experienced Championship player, but he’s found life in the top flight tough following a summer move from Derby County.
Norrington-Davies will continue his develop away from Bramall Lane for the rest of this campaign at least.
