Tadpoles To Watch - Right Back 2 ...

Apologies for the absence of a ‘Tadpoles to Watch’ last week… to make up for it Footie Frog has two for you this week! Continuing where we left off on the right hand side of defence, and Footie Frog’s reserve selection is…

 

Kyle Naughton

FactFile:           

Full Name:            Kyle Naughton

Date of Birth:        November 11, 1988 (age 20)

Height:                  5ft 9in

Club:                     Sheffield United

Position:                Right Back

Overview:

Aha! Not who you thought this time, eh? Expecting Rafael Da Silva perhaps? Well that would be too obvious – contradicting the ‘Tadpoles’ rules!

For England fans this is better news than another Brazilian wonderkid… as Kyle Naughton could well be a future international right-back.

Currently plying his trade with the Blades in the Coca Cola Championship, Naughton has had a year to remember so far. Loaned to Gretna in early 2008 to gain experience, Naughton played regularly but, despite some impressive performances, suffered the agony of administration and relegation with the Scottish club. This may have been a harsh introduction into the world of

 football, but his baptism of fire obviously served him well. Returning to Sheffield United he put in two sterling performances as a substitute in the Carling Cup, before making his debut in the league against Watford. Far from nervous, he showed his full capabilities – making surging supportive runs down the flanks and defending solidly and sensibly. He picked up the ‘Man of the Match’ award, and has not looked back since, making nearly 40 appearances in all competitions for the steel city so far this term. 

Fast, strong, technically sound, and with a composure belying his years, Naughton has attracted many an admiring glance from the Premier League, but as of yet the only admirer to act has been Stuart Pearce. The England u21s boss was quick to hand Naughton his debut against Czech Republic in November, and now that Naughton has had a taste, he will be fighting for his place in the European u21 Championships this summer.

As for his club career, Footie Frog will bet that Naughton is playing in the Premier League next year… 

...only time will tell if it is with the Blades or not.