Giggs Backs Woodburn After “Difficult” Loan Spell At Sheffield United

Giggs Backs Woodburn After “Difficult” Loan Spell At Sheffield United

Wales manager Ryan Giggs is backing forward Ben Woodburn to make it through his difficult start to life at Sheffield United.

The Welsh international moved on a season-long loan from Liverpool in the summer but has failed to set things alight at Bramall Lane since his arrival.

When asked about the difficulties that Woodburn is facing at club level, Giggs said:

“I’ve got no concerns regarding Ben’s quality, I’ve seen it in training in the last camp. He’s just not getting regular game-time at the moment. Sometimes it works out on loan, sometimes it doesn’t – but this could be a good thing.”

“When you go through difficult times, which he is at the moment, and you come through it, sometimes you are a better player and a better person. The quality is definitely there and it’s up to Ben to make the most of that. It’s only him that can do that.”

Blades boss Chris Wilder has used Woodburn sparingly since signing the teenager on loan. The 18-year-old has made seven appearances in all competitions but has made just two starts.

He was substituted at half-time after being named in the starting line up against Norwich City back in August. Since then, he has made two brief cameo appearances and has failed to make the matchday squad for the last three games.

Woodburn came to the attention of the watching public when he scored the dramatic winning goal for Wales in the 1-0 win over Austria in September last year, but since then, he has failed to kick on.