Sheffield United gaffer Chris Wilder has heaped praise on skipper Billy Sharp following his performance and goals in the weekend’s derby clash with Leeds United.
Hosting the Elland Road outfit at Bramall Lane for the game, Sharp opened the scoring after two minutes had been played in the first half, and he tied the points up with a penalty in the second half with under 20 minutes left to play. In between both strikes, Leeds were on the scoresheet through Pierre-Michel Lasogga but we were good value for the win.
Speaking to the Official Site as he met with the media following bragging rights being secured, a delighted gaffer picked out Sharp for particular praise following his showing on the day.
‘We got over the line which I’m delighted about. It’s been a difficult time because our performances of late haven’t seen us pick up the rewards we deserved, so to edge a tight Yorkshire derby is fantastic.’
Wilder went on to say specifically about our skipper that he acknowledged it was difficult for him and he’s been in and out of the team in recent times, but Sharp never lets that get to him and he’s always ready to prove his worth when his next chance comes along.
‘It’s not the easiest situation to be in when you’re not in the team, especially when you’re captain but he’s held his head high. He’s worked extremely hard and been a great captain for me in the dressing room and around the training ground.’
Wilder went on to say.
‘We picked it early, I told him getting off the bus last Saturday that he’d start today and he’s been excellent throughout the week, capping it off with two goals and a man of the match performance. I won’t allow players to moan and scream, they won’t pull out of challenges or think individually, I want team players and Billy is certainly that. He has been brilliant and deserves all the credit that will come his way.’
