Neither of the duo have yet to make an appearance this season with Brayford injured since last May and Cuvelier last December. But as the pair enter the final phase of their recovery programme the boss has given them nothing but praise prior to tomorrow's home clash with Shrewsbury Town.
The Blades chief told the Sheffield Star; “I’ve been really impressed with both of them. It’s been a shame for Flo because John had more of a planned rehabilitation. Flo, on the other hand, has had lots of little niggles along the way. Everybody knows what John is about, but Flo is a talented footballer too. It takes a little while, when you’ve been out for a long time, to get back those levels of fitness you are used to.”
Brayford damaged his knee ligaments during May's play-off defeat to Swindon Town but as since starred in the Under-21's development fixtures, most recently a one-nil defeat to Leeds United at Bramall Lane last Thursday night. Meanwhile Cuvelier, the former Under-21 Belgian International, has been hit by a string of injuries since being signed by David Weir two years ago (from Stoke City) and has only manged 6 league starts since then.
Adkins concluded; “John and Flo have dealt with the frustration of being injured, of coming in every day thinking you aren’t seeing any light at the end of the tunnel, but you take it one step at a time and it’s akin to playing football. You do everything you can, learn the lessons and work on building hard into the next game. We will be in on Sunday for our usual debrief, then begin preparing for Shrewsbury.”