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One To Watch – John-Joe O’Toole

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Sheffield United’s latest addition John-Joe O’Toole had been outlined as the One to Watch by Vital QPR.

The 20 year old Republic of Ireland Under 21 international was born in Harrow and his majestic rise through the ranks at Vicarage Road soon propelled him to be one of the hottest prospects in the Championship.

Coming up through Watford`s academy, manager Adrian Boothroyd gave John-Joe some valuable first team experience by sending him out on loan to local side Wealdstone in the Southern League Premier Division.

It was a chance that the midfielder took gratefully scoring four goals in nine appearances before returning to his parent club. In the 2007/08 season, Aidy Boothroyd granted John-Joe his chance.

The 6 ft 2 midfielder came on for fellow academy product Jordan Parkes in the 71st minute of a 2-0 Carling Cup victory over Southend United. Subsequently he come off the bench for a league victory over Ipswich replacing Tommy Smith.

After high praise from Boothroyd he started several games and two goals in three days against Bristol City and Colchester United cemented his place in the first team set-up.

However an extremely disappointing display at home to Cardiff City saw the youngster hauled off in the 35th minute, with Lee Williamson the benefactor. John-Joe scored two further goals that season, none of them culminating in wins. He was also given his marching orders against Leicester City – however the card was subsequently rescinded.

John-Joe got off to a flying start in the current campaign, something that opposed Watford’s form as a whole. He scored seven goals in all competitions before he met Rangers back in November, but has only scored one goals since – the winner for the Hornets at home to Coventry City.

After January transfer rumours that he would leave the club for Wolverhampton Wanderers or Premier League Fulham, John-Joe joined Sheffield United loan just over a week ago, and came off the bench in the Blades 2-1 win over Coventry last night (Wednesday).

With the Blades playing two games in four days he may well get his first start against the R’s as the two sides meet in W12 on Saturday.

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