Paul Heckingbottom explains Sheffield United player decision in Huddersfield draw

Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom believes that Oli McBurnie warranted a rare start against Huddersfield Town yesterday.

The Scotland international has endured a miserable campaign for the Blades, failing to score in 17 Championship appearances so far, although it should be said that many of those outings have come from the bench.

After an impressive cameo in the victory over West Brom, McBurnie was in the XI from the off against the Terriers as the Yorkshire derby ended 0-0.

With Iliman Ndiaye and Daniel Jebbison also available to Heckingbottom, it was perhaps a surprise to see the former Swansea man start. However, the boss explained his decision to the Sheffield Star after the game.

“He’s earned his start. He’s worked extremely hard for six or seven weeks. He had Covid and then an illness but since the new year he’s worked extremely hard and forced his way in.

“It’s not been easy for him but he earned it and I told him that. We all know what he can be and what a problem he can be for the opposition. I’m pleased he got minutes and efforts on goal and as always, he put a shift in as well.”

The verdict

The Blades were below their best against Huddersfield but McBurnie did quite well, with his work-rate a positive and he did what he could with limited service.

Heckingbottom obviously gets to see the players every day and the fact he has mentioned McBurnie’s performances and application in training shows that he has been doing the right things even when he’s not been playing all the time.

So, that says a lot about the striker and with David McGoldrick and Rhian Brewster out for lengthy spells, he will get chances as he looks to get back scoring goals at this level.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.