Sheffield United defender Chris Basham has admitted that he is determined to keep his place in the club's side after recently reclaiming a spot in the starting eleven.
The 33-year-old was used sporadically by the Blades during the opening stages of the 2021/22 campaign as he was limited to three starts in 14 games.
However, since being handed the opportunity to prove his worth against Nottingham Forest earlier this month, Basham has managed to step up to the mark for United.
Particularly impressive during the club's clashes with Coventry City and Reading, Basham helped his side keep clean-sheets in both of these fixtures.
With the Blades set to face Bristol City this weekend, the defender will be keen to build upon his recent resurgence by delivering the goods against Nigel Pearson's side.
A victory for United in this fixture could allow them to leapfrog the likes of Middlesbrough and Preston North End in the Championship standings.
Ahead of this weekend's game, Basham has admitted that he is now looking to demonstrate why he shouldn't have been used on such a sporadic basis earlier this season.
Speaking to The Sheffield Star, the defender said: "You have to try and get back in as soon as possible and play.
"I was trying to be a good supporter on the bench, do my best for the team, try and be someone they could rely on, but I'm back in the team now and trying to show why I shouldn't have been dropped in the first place."
The Verdict
When you consider that the Blades are seemingly set to part ways with manager Slavisa Jokanovic, it will be intriguing to see what kind of an impact the Serbian's departure will have on Basham.
The defender was able to earn Jokanovic's trust this month by producing assured displays against Coventry and Reading.
Having featured under a host of different managers during his career, Basham will be confident in his ability to adapt to a new style of play.
Capable of featuring in a back-three as well as a four-man defence, Basham could potentially end up playing a key role for the Blades in the coming months as they look to push on in the Championship.