Conor Hourihane outlines qualities that make Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom a "brilliant" coach

The pair previously worked together at Barnsley, with Hourihane captaining a side led by Heckingbottom that won the League One play-offs and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in the same season.

They were reunited at Bramall Lane last month when Heckingbottom accepted the United board’s invitation to replace Slavisa Jokanović in charge, with the former Reds and Leeds United boss winning both of his games in permanent charge of the Blades so far.

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His quest to make that three from three was delayed when Monday’s home clash with Queens Park Rangers was postponed because of positive Covid-19 cases in the visiting camp, meaning the Blades return to action next Monday away at league leaders Fulham.

And, speaking ahead of the trip to London, Aston Villa loanee Hourihane said of Heckingbottom: “The best characteristic is that he’s a brilliant man, honest and trustworthy.

“And the rest takes care of itself. You want to play for him and do well for him and he’s a brilliant coach, too.

“He knows how to get the best out of the group, and he’s going about his business well.”

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Heckingbottom was appointed as United’s permanent manager after Jokanović was sacked last month, with the Bramall Lane hierarchy signalling their intent to go in a different direction under the Barnsley-born chief – with an emphasis on youth one of their ‘three pillars’ for success.

“There’s a bit of a buzz back around the place, and we probably needed a bit of a list because the first bit of the season didn’t go as we’d have liked it to,” the Republic of Ireland midfielder added.

“Wins always help with that as well. But there’s a long way to go.

“We’re in mid-December and there’s a lot of games over Christmas, so you can quickly move up the table.

“We did that with three wins and if we can do that, we’ll keep moving in the right direction. There’s a decent start and a foundation there, and we’ll see where it takes us.”

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