Sheffield United: Adams offered olive branch

Adams, previously of non-league Ilkeston, was expected to make his eighth consecutive start against Millwall last weekend but was instead named on the bench following what Adkins later described as some lacklustre performances during the team’s pre-match preparations.

Although Adkins refused to confirm whether the teenager would return when Crewe Alexandra visit Bramall Lane this afternoon, he said: “Che has done well, he’s trained well and that’s what we want to see. Sometimes it’s unfortunate when things come out, especially immediately after games, but that’s football and that’s the business.

“Che is a young lad and he’s still learning everything about what being a professional means. You’ve got to be on it every single day, every single game and every single session. The same goes for all of us, everyone else too.”

Adams has been capped by England at under-20 level since joining United 16 months ago. Keith Downing’s squad have based themselves at United’s Steelphalt Academy ahead of Sunday’s fixture with Canada in Doncaster and Adkins, who is without defender Alex Baptiste for today’s contest, added: “Che was a part of that and so, if he needs a reminder about what he’s got to do, he’s only had to look over there and see. He’s a good lad though and he’ll be determined to get back in with England and with us.”

Crewe, who are 23rd, signed Ilkeston’s Daniel Udoh en route to this afternoon’s match at Bramall Lane. Steve Davis’ side have spent all but two weeks of the League One season in the relegation zone and their defender John Guthrie last night admitted the situation is taking its toll.

“It is hard when you’re down there and you’re not picking up the points, but it’s about the mental side of the game, you have to stay strong, stay positive and the staff do help us with that.

“As players we stick together and that’s what it’s all about. It’s tough being down there, physically and mentally, but we’ve got to stay positive, you can’t give up and we’ll never do that, we’ll keep fighting until the very end.

“We’re confident we can still turn it around, but we know that we’ve got to start doing it sooner rather than later.”