Rhys Norrington-Davies made first Sheffield United appearance in 14 and a half months away at Man City
His cameo appearance on the Etihad Stadium turf lasted for a matter of minutes but after 14 and a half months of injury hell, it will have felt like the world for Rhys Norrington-Davies. The Sheffield United man damaged a hamstring last October away at Coventry, not only wrecking his World Cup dream but at one stage also putting his career in some doubt.
But he has overcome every adversity and been rewarded by manager Chris Wilder with a late appearance off the bench in the final stages of Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City. It was also Norrington-Davies’ Premier League debut, coming after a loan spell with Barrow in the National League, and the first of many as he works his way back to full fitness and a chance to recover the left wing-back berth as his own.
It was some welcome injury news for the Blades in a season that has already seen Chris Basham, John Egan, and Tom Davies sidelined with long-term injuries. Davies and Rhian Brewster are both on the comeback road, but Oli McBurnie is still out with a groyne injury, and Max Lowe, Anel Ahmedhodzic, and George Baldock have all missed games recently due to injuries.
“That was more psychological for him, a little well done,” boss Wilder added. “He was only on the pitch for five minutes, but he’ll get more in this period.” I’m not getting soft, but it was a well done for the work he’s done away from the lights to get back onto the pitch.
“It makes my mind spin when people bring up our wounded guys. Nothing is worse for a professional footballer than being unavailable and having to come into training when the other players are ready for matches. Especially if you’ve arrived at a club with a good reputation and had a few of quid paid for you, but any player. It’s an incredible slog to get through long-term injuries, and it’s tough. They deserve a bit of luck now.”
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