Sheffield United handed ‘massive’ promotion boost by Stevens – Kenny
Paddy Kenny has claimed the return of Enda Stevens will be a “massive” boost as Sheffield United hunt promotion this season.
The former Blades keeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 31-year-old would be “like a new signing”.
Stevens returned to the Blades’ starting XI for the first time since May in Tuesday’s League Cup tie against Southampton.
He netted the opening goal of the 2-2 draw with the Saints, with the Premier League side winning on penalties.
Stevens underwent surgery on a double hernia issue which kept him out of the start of the season.
The left-back was a mainstay for the Yorkshire outfit last term, with 30 Premier League appearances under his belt.
Kenny admitted the Republic of Ireland star had been a “big player” for United.
He suggested his return would be a big boost to the club’s promotion hopes.
Kenny told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “He’s played in that Premier League, he’s been a big player for Sheffield United.
“To get him back, I suppose it will be like a new signing.
“He hasn’t played since the end of the season so to get him back, he’ll be like a little new signing.
“I’m sure he’ll play a massive part in pushing for that promotion spot.”
Stevens had not featured in a single one of Slavis Jokanovic’s matchday squads before Tuesday.
He has played a total of 166 times for United to date, with Tuesday’s strike his eighth goal for the club.
Ben Osborne and Rhys Norrington-Davies have shared left-back duties in Stevens’ absence.
In other news, Kenny has backed under-fire Sheffield United star to come good.