Goalkeeper Jamal Blackman has spoken of his delight at returning to the Sheffield United first team for the game against Leeds United.
With Simon Moore suffering a red card against Wolverhampton Wanderers and having to sit out with suspension, Blackman returned to fitness following a groin injury and retook his place in the starting line up for the game having not featured since the clash with Millwall later on in December.
Speaking to the Official Site with the players back in training this week, the 24 year old explained.
‘I was delighted to be back in the team against Leeds and have the opportunity to show people I’m still here fighting for my place, competing to be number one. I’d played a lot of games at Wycombe last season, but I knew there was more pressure coming here. It’s a big step up from League Two to the Championship and there was already a number one and number two here when I signed.’
The on loan Chelsea stopper has appeared 21 times for us this season, but he knew competition was par for the course in football and when you’re out of the team for whatever reason, you have to bide your time, work hard and make sure you take your opportunity when it comes along again.
‘But it has been good for my experience, knowing that there is always going to be real competition for a place in the team and knowing that you could drop out of the team if you aren’t at your best. I came here with high standards, but I’ve improved too. Simon was injured when I joined so I was competing with young Jake, but it’s fantastic that we’re always pushing each other for the shirt and whoever is playing the other two are rooting for him to do well.’
