Heckingbottom on Brighton, injuries and contract talks
- Published
Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom has been been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game at Brighton.
Here are the key lines from the Blades boss:
On his team's reaction after the win against Wolves, Heckingbottom said: "You get confidence from results. We have had some cruel moments, but we need moments to go for us, like last week, so that we can try and build."
He added that the team are "looking forward" to the Brighton game and that "the intention is to have the same organisation and shape".
Reacting to Brighton's form, he said: "They are a good side, they are competing in Europe, it will be a tough game."
Talking about Brighton's model he added: "The owner has to take a lot of credit on and off the pitch, it takes a long time and costs fortunes. They deserve to be where they are, they have made some very good decisions with recruitment."
Referencing Sheffield United's shape and personnel, he added: "We will have to change things for Brighton."
On the injury to Rhian Brewster he said: "Rhian has had a scan, it wasn't the original injury, we will be without him this weekend. It's probably to be expected, but we know how tough he is as a lad, he will be fine."
With further injury question marks to players in the squad he added that "Ollie McBurnie and Anel will potentially be ready" but that he wouldn't be taking any risks, adding: "If there is any doubt even for 15 or 20 mins we won't risk it."
He confirmed contract talks with McBurnie and Wes Foderingham and said when it comes to both youthful and experienced players at the club "we need to secure these contracts so that we can plan long term".
James McAtee played in a different role last week and he has been encouraged by Heckingbottom adding : "It was as good as he has been. The challenge is for him to be like that all the time."
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