Naughton: Sharp born to score goals

19th January
First team

Kyle Naughton is well aware of the threat that Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp will pose at the Liberty this evening having grown up with the striker in the youth ranks at Bramall Lane.

Sharp is the joint-top scorer in the Championship this season, with only former Swans loanee Tammy Abraham matching his 16-goal tally.

When he found the net in the Blades’ 3-0 victory over Wigan Athletic on New Year’s Day, Sharp became the leading marksman in the EFL this century having been on target 220 times.

Now 32 years of age, and in his third spell with the Blades, Sharp’s impressive recent form saw him nominated for December’s Championship player of the month award.

And Sheffield-born Naughton, who spent well over a decade with United at the start of his career, knows the Swans have their hands full when they lock horns with the Blades at the Liberty.

“From what I knew of him then, to what is obvious now, is that he’s always been a great goalscorer,” Naughton tells this weekend’s Jack Magazine.

“Wherever he plays, he scores goals and I can’t see him slowing down any time soon.

“You put him in front of the net and he’ll score goals. I think that’s what he was born to do.”

You can read the full interview with Kyle Naughton in Saturday’s Jack Magazine.

The full-back also reflects on life at his former club and his thoughts as he approaches four years with the Swans.

We also hear from manager Graham Potter and skipper Leroy Fer, as well as chairman Huw Jenkins and chief operating officer Chris Pearlman.

Elsewhere, we sit down with two of our stars of the future in Liam Cullen and Bradley Gibbings, who reveals why he holds fond memories of the last time Sheffield United visited the Liberty Stadium, as well as former Swan Marcus Bean.

And there is plenty more in today’s Jack Magazine, including all the latest from the academy and ladies’ team, plus everything you need to know about Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United.

Our 14th Jack Magazine of the 2018-19 Championship season is available for just £3 from around the Liberty and the club shop.

Jack Magazine really is a must-have for any Swans fans, so don’t miss out!