‘The ideal time’ – Paul Heckingbottom facing key Sheffield United player decision pre-Birmingham: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom made the decision to recall teenager Daniel Jebbison from his loan spell at League One outfit Burton Albion on transfer deadline day.

The 18-year-old was handed his senior debut by Heckingbottom at the back end of the 2020-21 season and he promptly netted his first goal in a 1-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park.

Slavisa Jokanovic made the decision to loan Jebbison to the Brewers this season though and in recent weeks he’s hit top form, scoring six times in his last 11 League One outings.

With a serious injury to Rhian Brewster though and the departure of Lys Mousset to Salernitana, Jebbison has been brought back to Bramall Lane to provide competition to Billy Sharp, David McGoldrick and Oli McBurnie.

But should he be thrown in from the start against Birmingham City on Friday night? The FLW writers have had their say…

Yes, tonight’s game against Birmingham is the ideal time for Daniel Jebbison to get his first chance under Paul Heckingbottom.

The 18-year-old is a real talent and we’ve seen during his loan spell at Burton Albion that he’s ready to contribute at senior level.

Rhian Brewster’s injury creates an opportunity and Jebbison could exploit a Birmingham backline that’s been far from convincing recently.

He could prove to be an asset in Sheffield United’s promotion push if Heckingbottom can get him settled in at Championship level.

There’s no reason why that can’t start this evening against the Blues.

It might be a bit of a step up for the striker to get the