'He's getting there,' says Sheffield United manager about one of his 'difference-makers'

Having made progress in his battle to overcome an ankle injury which was clearly more troublesome than many people appreciated at the time, McBurnie made his second consecutive start during United’s visit to New York Stadium.

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Although he failed to get on the scoresheet, with the match finishing in stalemate, McBurnie demonstrated why Heckingbottom is so keen to see the Scotland international firing on all cylinders again - troubling the hosts’ defence with his physicality and providing United with a focal point in attack.

After claiming his 10th goal of the season at the Racecourse Ground, McBurnie is again expected to feature when Phil Parkinson’s side travel to Bramall Lane on Tuesday for the replay of their fourth round FA Cup tie with United.

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“Oli is looking stronger and fitter,” Heckingbottom said. “Game by game, week by week, you can see him getting back there.”

McBurnie’s partnership with Iliman Ndiaye was a driving force behind United’s strong start to the campaign with the Senegal international also reaching double figures for the season. Second in the Championship table, 10 points clear of third placed Middlesbrough and unbeaten in their last 11 outings, United will face Tottenham Hotspur in the next round of the competition if they beat Wrexham.

“The minutes will be doing Oli the power of good,” Heckingbottom said. “You can see what he brings.”

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