David McGoldrick is hailed as a "special player" by one of his Sheffield United team mates

The Republic of Ireland centre-forward will enter the Boxing Day fixture without a goal for his club since April after missing a golden chance during last weekend’s win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

But George Baldock, the United defender, insisted that barren run fails to reflect McGoldrick’s overall contribution to a team which has prepared for the visit of Nigel Peason’s side ranked fifth in the table.

“I don’t think we can put too much pressure on Didzy, about the goals, because of everything else he is contributing to the side,” Baldock said. “He’s a special player. He’s brilliant.

“What he brings to the team, it needs no explaining.”

McGoldrick also enjoys the backing of manager Chris Wilder, who recently admitted that when he features: “We’re a better team.”

United’s supporters have also remained staunchly behind McGoldrick, chanting his name when he failed to convert a second-half opening at the AMEX Stadium.

“It doesn’t surprise me, the fans’ reaction to Didzy, “Baldock said. “Because they know what he brings.

“One minute, he’s there in the box and then he’s tracking back, making a slide tackle.”

“Generally when he plays well, we play well,” Baldock added. “He's such a vital part of our team.

“We'll be so happy for him when the goals start coming but his contribution to the team shouldn't go unnoticed.”