With Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder having considerable depth in the central midfield position, it's easy to forget one or two names that are less likely to feature for the league leaders.

The Blades currently sit top of the Championship after their opening 12 games and Wilder's side will go into their game against Derby in front of the Sky Sports cameras full of confidence.

The creative trio of Oliver Norwood, John Fleck and Mark Duffy all featuring heavily for the Blades, it looks difficult for the likes of Paul Coutts and former Everton and Oxford midfielder John Lundstram to gain regular first-team football at Bramall Lane.

Lundstram has only made three starts this season, and after featuring on 36 occasions for Wilder's men last season, he could feel hard done by this year.

But due to the good form shown by on-loan Brighton man Oliver Norwood, Lundstram's opportunities in the Blades team look limited.

Speaking to the Sheffield Telegraph, 'We've got good players here, good players who are pushing, like Paul Coutts, Richard Stearman and John," Wilder, the United manager, said.

"That gives us options, it gives us a decision to make. John, I've got to say, has been brilliant in training. Really, really good.'

Wilder admitted that his side struggled to adapt to the hole left by Paul Coutts when injured. Coutts has since returned to competitive action after coming on a substitute in their 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.

"When we lost Couttsy to begin with, if I'm being honest, I don't think we coped very well and struggled to replace him. But with Ollie, he's very similar.

Wilder remains insistent that Lundstram remains part of his plans and described the former England Under 20's international as a 'tremendous player'.

'But then there's John Lundstram too who, in my opinion, is a tremendous player. He's young and he's only going to get better. He's learning all the time, we're all learning. I think it's disrespectful to say it's just between Couttsy and Ollie to be fair.'

The Verdict:

Lundstram isn't as well-established in the Championship, and he does face stiff competition from the likes of Oliver Norwood and the returning Paul Coutts.

He was used largely in matches that required a physical presence in the centre of midfield for Sheffield United last season and I'm sure that Chris Wilder will call on Lundstram in the near future, especially with the festive period coming up.

Squad rotation in his side will be key if the Blades are to hold on to top spot in the Championship.