Sheffield United: What Chris Wilder said about Oli McBurnie's chances of starting against Chelsea
Despite cancelling-out Jamie Vardy's opener during yesterday's game against Leicester City, McBurnie was powerless to prevent United suffering their first defeat of the new Premier League season when Harvey Barnes produced a spectacular finish during the closing stages.
Acknowledging McBurnie's introduction alongside captain Billy Sharp had transformed his team's performance following what he later described as a subdued first-half display, Wilder suggested the £20m signing is poised to make his full United debut at Stamford Bridge.
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Hide Ad"Billy and Oli gave us more than we'd had in the first-half," Wilder said. "His (McBurnie's) performance was a highlight."
McBurnie, aged 23, was pictured watching his former City team mates play Queens Rangers during the build-up to City's visit, with reports suggesting he bought a round of 50 drinks to thank Swansea followers for their support during his time in South Wales. Despite being born in Leeds, McBurnie represents Scotland at international level and, after being summoned from the bench against both AFC Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, his strike could prove timely given that Steve Clarke is set scheduled to name his squad for the latest round of Euro 2020 qualifiers on Tuesday.
"Oli puts a shift in," Wilder said. "He puts himself about. I expect that, supporters appreciate that so you can see why I believe he's going to be popular here."