Kieffer Moore's welcome goals admission as selfless Sheffield United striker puts team first

“Side before self” is a mantra adopted by a side just up the M1 but if it were to apply to Sheffield United, then there would be few finer examples of it than Kieffer Moore. The Welsh international striker arrived in the summer as a key part of Chris Wilder’s Blades jigsaw and has scored once in United’s first seven games.

But that tally does not tell the whole story, with Moore’s selfless work up-front laying the platform for the likes of Callum O’Hare and top scorer Gus Hamer to do their thing around him. It is work that will win him few plaudits from outside the club but is much appreciated inside the Bramall Lane dressing room, and pretty much guarantees him his place up front whilever he remains fit and healthy.

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Moore’s bustling presence once again created chances for the Blades on Saturday at Portsmouth, in a fiercely-competitive game that ultimately ended goalless thanks to the exploits of both goalkeepers, and he will be looking to contribute once again to United’s unbeaten league start when Welsh opposition, in the form of Swansea City, arrive at Bramall Lane tomorrow evening.

Asked about his unselfish approach and willingness to sacrifice something of himself for the collective effort, Moore admitted: “I would say that's in my nature to do that, but I think this team needs that really. We're a hard-working team but when we come off that pace and full-press, full-energy and putting yourself about, then we can't see the best of the team. And I think someone has to almost take that upon themselves because it's not going to come as naturally to others as it does to me. So I'm always putting the team first and my role is to sacrifice then that's how it is, really.”

Moore scored his first goal in United colours from close range in the 2-2 draw against QPR but his all-round contribution was highlighted with a good left-wing run and pass to Oliver Arblaster to win a penalty against Watford - which Moore subsequently saw saved excellently by Daniel Bachmann - before winning the ball back for Sam McCallum’s finish away at Hull City.

“I’ve loved it,” said Moore of his time at Bramall Lane so far. “Results have been going well. Yes, I would like some more goals, and they will come. But we're getting in some great positions. Now it's about understanding where I'm going to run and where others are going to play the ball. We're nearly there, and I think once that penny drops and we start nailing that, then everyone will flourish.”