Chris Wilder believes that Ched Evans can make a big impact on his Sheffield United side’s challenge for promotion and attempt to reach the latter stages of the FA Cup.
Evans, 29, made his comeback from four months out with an ankle injury during the win over Preston North End at Bramall Lane. He came off the bench for the final half hour and his energy and enthusiasm galvanised his team-mates and the crowd.
“He is the spark that can lift the whole surroundings,” the United manager said. “He is aggressive and physical, and I think Ched really gives us something. It lifts our supporters, gives us that real edge and he has a big part to play for the rest of the season.”
Wilder made seven changes for the fourth-round tie and, with a Championship clash with Aston Villa tomorrow, he said that Evans is one of those pushing to be involved.
“Ched is among those knocking on the door,” he said. “He has worked himself back into good nick. I wouldn’t like to be a centre back playing against him in the next few games.”
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Billy Sharp’s penalty ten minutes from time settled the match and Darnell Fisher, the Preston defender, said that they needed to pick themselves up for their game away to Nottingham Forest.
“We have a lot of big games coming up and we are still right there,” he said. “Hopefully we can push up the table.”
Ratings
Sheffield United (3-4-1-2): S Moore 6 — R Stearman 6, B Heneghan 6 (sub: C Basham 59min, 6), J Wright 6 — G Baldock 6, J Lundstram 5, J Fleck 6, D Lafferty 7 — M Duffy 8 — B Sharp 8 (sub: E Stevens 90+4), C Donaldson 7 (sub: C Evans 59, 7). Substitutes not used J Eastwood, J O’Connell, J Wilson, S Carruthers. Booked Lafferty, Lundstram.
Preston North End (4-2-3-1): D Rudd 6 — D Fisher 6 (sub: C Woods 68, 6), T Clarke 6, P Huntington 6, J Earl 6 — D Johnson 7, J Welsh 6 (sub: J Hugill, 68, 6) — B Bodin 6, A Browne 6, D Horgan 7 (sub: T Barkhuizen 59, 6) — L Moult 6. Substitutes not used C Maxwell, T Spurr, C Robinson, P Gallagher. Booked Welsh, Johnson.