'Peck was a colossal presence'

Sheffield United exerted power and intensity to claim their 21st Championship win of the season on Wednesday night.

Chris Wilder is keen to use his whole squad to make sure they get over the line, and, after some January recruitment, he has plenty of options at his disposal. Not many teams will be able to call upon a player with the ability of Ben Brereton Diaz, for example, to aid such a win like the loanee forward did against Middlesbrough.

But it's one of the emerging talents of the EFL who may be a key component in their quest for a swift return to the Premier League: Sydie Peck.

Peck dominated the midfield areas against Middlesbrough, complimenting players like Gus Hamer, who also shone in a Bramall Lane thriller.

Peck's measured-through pass for Brereton Diaz's goal underlined his excellent technical ability and vision; his all-round play exudes balance, awareness and stamina. He appeared constantly involved and engaged in the game. A colossal presence.

Wilder will have been glad he chose to bring Peck - who is just 20 - back into his team for such a frenetic game. He has been named in all 32 Blades matchday squads in the Championship this year, making 20 starts and eight sub appearances, and earning a call-up for England under-20s before Christmas.

The former Arsenal youngster was given a standing ovation and had his name sung when he was taken off near the end. He deserved it.

Wilder later told me in his press conference that he enjoyed Peck's contest with Boro's Hayden Hackney, a contest Peck dominated too.