Jonathan Stead says he intends to repay the faith of Neil Warnock with Premiership goals.
Jonathan Stead says he intends to repay the faith of Neil Warnock with Premiership goals.
The Sheffield United striker scored what could turn out to be a priceless equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Charlton on Saturday to keep The Blades outside the drop zone.
United boss Warnock plucked the 24-year-old from Sunderland for £750,000 in the January transfer window.
And now Stead, who helped steer Blackburn to safety in 2004, aims to make the most of his "second chance" in the top flight.
"When Sheffield United came in, it was a bit of a second chance for me," said Stead.
"When a Premiership manager comes knocking and says he wants you, there is no bigger confidence booster.
"The gaffer knew me from my time at Huddersfield, and when he saw the price Sunderland were asking, he thought it was worth the risk.
"I knew I was rated by people in the top division, it was just whether someone was going to stick their neck out. Luckily for me, he went for it.
"Neil Warnock has given me that chance - now it is all about repaying him.
"The goal against Charlton will go some way towards doing that, and hopefully there will be a few more before the end of the season."
With two out of their last three games at Bramall Lane - against relegated Watford and struggling Wigan - United have a great chance of avoiding the drop.
"We have showed we are really in for the fight, are there to go the distance and the point at Charlton will go a long way towards safety," added Stead.
"At this stage of the season, we need to be picking up points on the teams around us, and we have managed to do that.
"We are running, working and tackling to the last second of every game - and that is the way we are going to survive.
"We are confident, but know there is still a long way to go."
