Blackwell hails Sharp

Blades boss says striker could be worth £10million

Last updated: 16th August 2008

Kevin Blackwell Sheffield United

Blackwell: Happy with Sharp

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Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell was full of praise for striker Billy Sharp following his match-winning hat-trick over QPR.

The R's arrived at Bramall Lane as one of The Blades' rivals for promotion, but Sharp's three goals left Iain Dowie's side with their tails firmly between their legs.

Blackwell believes that should the goals keep coming for the Scunthorpe striker then his value could rise as high as £10million.

"If he keeps scoring like that then I would have paid £10million for him and I think I would have been right to do that," said Blackwell.

"Billy didn't get a run in the team and sometimes it takes time to step up a division and establish yourself and understand how defenders are better.

"He's got to start learning how things are different.

"Billy can, like all youngsters, get a bit carried away. He does want to learn and he wants to be successful for Sheffield United, but he's got to learn how to handle that.

"You need to put a smile on people's faces - even through gritted teeth."

Defensive issues

Blackwell's counterpart Dowie believes that until his side start to defend properly, especially set-pieces, then they will struggle to go up.

"Our inability to defend set plays cost us dearly," he said. "We're one of the biggest teams on the planet so it's bizarre.

"Although we pressed in the second half we fell to another set piece, which really sticks in the throat.

"I think we've got enough ability to cope. But we don't want to overreact because we've had a mad 20 minutes today."