'Only a matter of time' for another 'local lad'

The most positive news stories around Sheffield United this season have concerned the future - unsurprisingly, given the state of the present - and there was another bit of good news this week as the club confirmed a long-term deal for youngster Oliver Arblaster.

They may play different positions but the parallels with club legend Billy Sharp are hard to ignore. Like Sharp, Arblaster is a local lad, a Blades fan and already into his second decade with United despite not turning 20 for a few more months.

Fittingly, there also exists a heart-warming photo of Sharp celebrating a goal a few years ago by high-fiving the United ball boy - who is, of course, young Arblaster.

Arblaster, who had a successful loan to League One side Port Vale earlier this season, is not just highly thought-of, he stands on the verge of an opportunity to quickly become part of the first-team squad. With his new deal freshly inked, it is only a matter of time before he makes his Premier League debut.

And with United currently set to have only three senior midfielders on the books beyond this summer, there is every chance that Arblaster could lock up a starting spot of his own by the time the 2024-25 season kicks off.

Ben Meakin can be found at BladesPod