Kieran McKenna comments show gulf in where Ipswich Town and Sheffield United are right now | OneFootball

Sheffield United agreed a deal to sign Chiedozie Ogbene from Ipswich Town on loan on deadline day.

Kieran McKenna’s comments about the decision to loan Chiedozie Ogbene to Sheffield United show what Ipswich Town really think of Sheffield United right now.

The Tractor Boys confirmed on deadline day that the Ireland international has made the switch to Ruben Selles’ side on a temporary basis.

The winger joined the Suffolk outfit last summer following promotion to the Premier League, but a significant injury issue meant he only played five times in the top flight before relegation was suffered.

Ogbene hasn’t been guaranteed his place in McKenna’s plans as part of his return to injury, which has ultimately led to him making the move to Bramall Lane on a temporary basis.

Given the Blades were in a play-off final as recently as last May, Ipswich must not see the Yorkshire outfit as a genuine promotion rival this year if they’re willing to agree a move for such a quality, Championship calibre player.

Kieran McKenna’s Chiedozie Ogebene comments reveal Ipswich’s feelings about Sheffield United

McKenna has indicated that Ogbene has been moved on loan to Sheffield United in order for him to get more consistent game time as he looks to get back to full fitness after such a lengthy injury lay-off.

With the wealth of attacking talent available at Portman Road, the Ipswich boss has claimed the 28-year-old has been sent out on loan to an environment where he might be able to get back to his best again.

“After a significant injury, a priority for Chieo is getting rhythm into his game,” said McKenna, via the club’s official website.

“We want to get him in an environment that helps him get back to his very best.”

Despite losing the play-off final to Sunderland last season, many would have tipped Sheffield United to be in the mix for a place in the Premier League again this year.

But a difficult start to the new term will have clubs like Ipswich rethinking that belief, and it shows how little of a threat they now see the Blades that they’ve been willing to agree to this deal.

Sheffield United’s underwhelming attacking options - Ogbene could play big Blades role

Sheffield United have scored just one goal in the Championship under Selles after four games, conceding seven and losing each fixture.

The team underwent a pretty major facelift following the Spaniard’s appointment, and their attacking firepower now pales in comparison to Ipswich.

The Tractor Boys lost Liam Delap to Chelsea, as well as Omari Hutchinson to Nottingham Forest, but they still have the likes of Sammie Szmodics, Chuba Akpom, George Hirst and Jack Clarke to choose from.

All of these options have a proven track record at a Championship level of scoring consistently, while Sheffield United’s only serious threats are perhaps Tyrese Campbell and Gustavo Hamer.

Louie Barry and Tom Cannon have potential, youngsters Ryan One and Andre Brooks will likely chip in with contributions of their own as well, whilst Danny Ings is a proven performer at Championship level but has to prove he's still capable at age 33, but it’s not as intimidating as McKenna’s frontline options.

It’s been a disastrous start to the new season for Sheffield United, but the arrival of Ogbene should help improve their attacking threat considerably.

The Republic of Ireland international is a highly versatile player, capable of operating in any role across the forward line, but could perhaps come straight into Selles' starting XI on the right wing in relief of Brooks.

The 22-year-old Blades academy graduate is still a raw prospect, and has yet to provide a single goal or assist in all competitions in five appearances so far this season.

Ogbene has proven himself to be a smart player at Championship level with Rotherham United, and enjoyed a solid individual season in the Premier League with Luton Town too.

But it could take him weeks to get back up to speed after missing the vast majority of the 24/25 season having ruptured his Achilles.