Michael Higdon could make his first return to the club where it all started

Michael Higdon could make his first return to Gresty Road as an opposition player tomorrow and our former Academy graduate will certainly show the improvement in his game. As a promising young player Higdon, 31, was targeted by a minority of the Crewe supporters as he struggled to fill the void left by the Norwich bound Dean Ashton. Higdon actually started his youth career as a midfield player but Dario Gradi saw his potential as a front man and introduced him to the role when Ashton left.

Higdon got some unfair stick as he tried to find his feet in the Championship, but he still managed to score 10 league goals in just 36 starts – a record that should have seen given more time.

Higdon made a successful career for himself up in Scotland with Falkirk, Motherwell and St. Mirren before enjoying a year with Dutch outfit NEC Nijmegen. He signed for Sheffield United in the summer and was instantly installed as Nigel Clough’s captain for their opening fixture against Bristol City.

He has gone on to score three goals in 11 appearances but has struggled to retain his place lately following a red card against Chesterfield earlier this month.

Steve Davis was not around at the club when Higdon was breaking into the first-team picture but he says Neil Baker and Dario Gradi know all about his ability.

Steve Davis: “I wasn’t at the club when Michael was coming through the Academy and into the first-team but Neil and Dario know him well. They liked him as a lad and as a player and you can see that he become an even better player.

“He has gone on and improved since he left Crewe. He did really well up in Scotland and scored a lot of goals and then played in Holland, so he has a lot of experience.

Steve added: “He is now back in England and playing for Sheffield United and we have to be aware of his threat. Michael is very good in the air and has a real physical presence. We know he is a good player.”