After an unbelievable campaign, it is now all but certain that Sheffield United will be playing in the Premier League next season. Their 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town today, coupled with their vastly superior goal difference in comparison to Leeds, means they will be playing in the English top flight in August.
This is fantastic news for Irish football fans, with four Ireland internationals currently in the squad. Enda Stevens, John Egan and David McGoldrick have all played key roles in the promotion, but it was Scott Hogan who made a telling contribution today.
The striker has been in and out of the side since joining on loan from Aston Villa in January, but he got the nod to start this game. It was his goal who put The Blades on course for the win, producing this smart finish to steer home Jack O'Connell's cross.
GOAL FOR SHEFFIELD UNITED
Scott Hogan sends Bramall Lane into raptures. What a massive goal that could be. One step closer to the Premier League.
📲 Watch live now on Sky Sports Football or follow online here: https://t.co/i0H5oDapwA pic.twitter.com/dalkwk3SE1— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 27, 2019
It was a comfortable evening for the home side from this point on, with O'Connell grabbing a goal of his own in the second period to make sure of the three points.
GOAL FOR SHEFF UTD
Sheffield United have more than one foot in the Premier League door now! O'Connell crashes it in off the bar and the inevitable beckons...
📲 Watch live now on Sky Sports Football or follow online here: https://t.co/i0H5oDapwA pic.twitter.com/4ZPhayQCBX— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 27, 2019
The result actually moved Sheffield United top of the table, although Norwich have played one game less and are level on points. With promotion now secured, they will turn their attention to grabbing an unlikely league title.
Considering the lack of Irish players in the Premier League at the moment, this is a big boost. Enda Stevens, who told Balls.ie earlier this year what promotion would mean to him, has been perhaps the best left back in the division this season.
John Egan has been an absolute rock at the back since his summer move from Brentford, while David McGoldrick has rediscovered his scoring touch to find the back of the net 16 times in the league this season. Scott Hogan's future at the club is not certain, but he will have enjoyed that goal today.
SHEFFIELD UNITED CELEBRATE!
A 2-0 win against Ipswich means they are all but promoted to the Premier League! pic.twitter.com/JAzvn2rPt5— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 27, 2019
