Alan Kelly: Why Sheffield United fans love Manchester United loanee Dean Henderson

The Republic of Ireland international is a Bramall Lane legend; one of a group of stoppers who wrote themselves into club folklore with outstanding displays on the pitch over the years.

Rolling back the years, Alan Hodgkinson was an early hero. Kelly and Simon Tracey excelled later - the club has surely never had two players of such ability vying for one position - while Paddy Kenny also served the club with distinction throughout the 200s.

All had undoubted goalkeeping talent, but character too. Add to that list one Dean Henderson.

"I think he's done brilliantly," Kelly told The Star, of the Manchester United loanee.

"He's followed the path, starting at Carlisle and going out on loan to get games under his belt. He's moved through the levels and backed it up with performances. Now he's playing in the Premier League, and it's great to see.

"Dean's got drive, he's got ambition and he's obviously got talent. Add those three together and put him at a club like Sheffield United, who are on an upward curve... and it's a great match."

Possibly Kelly's standout moment in a United shirt came on one of their darkest days, an FA Cup semi-final defeat to city rivals Wednesday at Wembley in 1993. Other heroic displays, including saving three penalties in a FA Cup quarter-final against Coventry in 1998, ensured his status as a legend of the Lane.

"For some reason, there always has been that synergy between goalkeepers and Sheffield United fans," Kelly admitted.

"They appreciate that honesty and endeavour, I think. But first and foremost, you've got to perform.

"I made mistakes, but when I did I held my hands up and I think they appreciated that.

"At any football club, you won't survive unless you have ability and United have been blessed with 'keepers over the years, going all the way back to the early days.

"The fans know a good 'keeper when they see one... and they have one in Dean."