'Let's not kid ourselves' - Paul Heckingbottom on the reality of Sheffield United's young bench

Paul Heckingbottom says that although Sheffield United's injury crisis has opened the door for a number of young players to feature in a senior matchday squad, those numbers should also serve as a warning about the 'reality' of where his side is at right now. Only one senior outfield player was named on the bench last night for the goalless draw at Blackpool and the Blades boss was forced to admit they are there through necessity, not on merit.

He says it's great for those young players to have a taste of life at first team level but he doesn't want their place in the Sheffield United squad handed to them, he would much prefer they earned the right having progressed sufficiently to have overtaken a senior member.

Last night's teamsheet featured nine academy graduates, which is a great nod towards the work that has been taking place at the Randox Health Academy and also another feather in the club's cap when it comes to the promotion of youth. However, Heckingbottom was keen to point out that it's not in the circumstances he would like.

"Getting players through is fantastic, but let's not kid ourselves, we've got a young bench through necessity," he said. "We've got 60% of our outfield players out injured, that's why they are there.

"It's not a day out for them. I said to them before if they are not good enough when the senior players return form injuries they will go back past them.

"While it's very good in that respect, a bit of reality we wish they had earned it.

"It will be great for them and their families, but let's get it right, I would love them to be earning that place on the bench and getting past the other 14 first team players who are out injured. But that's where we find ourselves.

"Kyron (Gordon) has