Sheffield United forward Oliver McBurnie has been backed to shine in the Premier League by former Scotland international Joe Jordan. McBurnie became the Blades club-record signing when he joined for a reported £20million from Swansea during the summer and has already got off the mark for his new club after netting in last month’s 2-1 home defeat to Leicester.
The 23-year-old, who is currently away with Scotland on international duty, was then handed his first Premier League start for United during last weekend’s draw with Chelsea and Jordan, himself a former striker, believes his compatriot can thrive in the top flight, as long as he can handle the pressure of his hefty price-tag.
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“He is now a striker in a Premier League team and he’s got that (price) tag and it’s a pressure,” Jordan told the Scotsman. “He’s got off to a good start with a good header (against Leicester)… that will give him such a lift.
He’s broke his duck in the Premier League. “He’s got to use his own attributes. It’s about what effect he has on a game and he’s already made an impact this season. He needs to have belief in himself. I’m sure he has and he will handle the price tag he has got.”
Jordan certainly feels McBurnie can score the goals that will help keep Sheff United in the Premier League, but after starting just one of their opening four top-flight games, the former Bradford youngster must first secure a regular place in Chris Wilder’s team. “He’s got to use his own attributes,” Jordan added.
“It’s about what effect he has on a game and he’s already made an impact this season. He needs to have belief in himself. I’m sure he has and he will handle the price tag he has got.”
The Blades certainly have competition for places in the final third, with David McGoldrick, Callum Robinson and Billy Sharp having all featured regularly, while fellow summer signing Lys Mousset came on to make his league debut against Chelsea and could have a bigger role to play over the coming weeks.
United’s first game after the international break will be a clash with Southampton at Bramall Lane on September 14, a fixture that hands them a realistic possibility of adding to the five points they have registered since returning to England’s top division.
Games against Everton and Liverpool will follow that contest and if the Blades are to survive in the Premier League, they are likely to need a regular goalscorer – a void that McBurnie will be hoping to fill.
