Kyle Naughton was possibly one of the surprise names in the PFA Championship team of the year – he was even surprised himself after being selected by his peers for this prestigious honour. It has been a remarkable season for the 20-year-old Sheffield United defender who has been with the Blades academy since he was eight years old only this season has he really made his mark. Not only did he break into the first team but also gained a call up for the England Under 21s. Givemefootball’s Lawrie Madden caught up with him at Sunday’s big night out...HOW DID YOU ENJOY THE AWARDS DINNER?It was a great honour for a start. I am still trying to come to terms with it and to be honest the whole season. This award coming now is a major boost to me. I am very proud. I am only 20 and didn’t really know what to expect but it was great being there and sitting on the table with the other lads and enjoying the occasion.
COULD YOU HAVE EXPECTED ANYTHING LIKE THIS AT THE START OF THE SEASON?At the start of the season I didn’t expect to be playing first team football. In pre-season the manager said to me ‘work hard and you will get your chance’ and I did and I am grateful to Kevin Blackwell for giving me the opportunity.
AND YOU HAVE TAKEN THAT CHANCE WITH BOTH HANDS?Yes I got into the side and managed to stay there. I didn’t expect to be playing and didn’t expect to be playing so many games but the lads have helped me settle in. Gary Speed was really helpful and so was Nick Montgomery and the captain, Chris Morgan, has always got a word or two to say which helps you.
AND WHAT ABOUT THE ENGLAND CALL-UP TO THE UNDER 21 SQUAD?Yes that was brilliant. It has been an unbelievable season so far. Getting into the first team and staying there was a dream especially as I have come through the ranks. Then I got a call up for England and the game was played at Bramall Lane which was brilliant. Now I have been picked in the PFA awards team and there is still a chance of getting promotion to the Premier.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE FINAL GAME AGAINST NEIL WARNOCK’S CRYSTAL PALACE?We are playing against our old gaffer but I didn’t know him that well as I have only just broken into the side but the other lads have told me about him so I know a few things about what he achieved and how he did things. At the start of the season I wasn’t in the side so to go to Palace for the last game of the season in with a chance of automatic promotion is brilliant and if we did what a season it would be. Powered by: GiveMeFootball.com, for the
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