My Dad then has to wait with baited breath to find out if it is one for the good guys or one for the bad guys. I know there has been occasions where the news has almost been met with a foot through the television.



In professional sports, the disappointments always seem to outweigh the successes. I am not sure this is actually the case. I just think the setbacks seem to live with us all for longer. Now and again though, a moment comes along that you can all truly enjoy and makes it worthwhile.



The worst period of my career, and one of the most testing times for not just me but my family, was being frozen out of the team and the squad completely during the 2015 season at Sheffield United under Nigel Clough.



I didn’t even have the opportunity to battle for my place in the team, but instead I was forced to train with the youth team and could see no light at the end of the tunnel.

If you ask any of my family about that period of time, you will hear the frustration and anger in their voice as they describe how they had to sit by and watch someone they love get mistreated and held back from doing what they love. They were subjected to questions from friends and the general public on what was going on when none of us knew the answer.



When you get prevented from doing something you love, the frustration can build quickly and more often than not, it is those closest to you that have to deal with the consequences. At a time when I couldn’t make sense of what was happening, it was my family that kept me sane. They sympathized with me at times when I felt sorry for myself and, most importantly, showed belief in me at a time when I couldn’t help but doubt myself.

My poor wife must have felt she was living with a bear with a sore head and after a couple of Saturdays off, she would have done anything to have me back on the field instead of skulking around a shopping mall.

My parents’ car enjoyed a well-earned rest during this period, but I know they would have much preferred to be making the 250-mile journey down the M6 to watch me than sitting at home.