'Nothing but admiration' - Chris Wilder pays tribute to Sheffield United striker David McGoldrick ahead of West Ham clash

The 33-year-old goes into Monday's clash with West Ham United at the London Stadium looking for his sixth goal of the season, and has established himself as a firm favourite of the Blades faithful since signing on a free transfer in 2018.

McGoldrick was without a club when he arrived at United on trial that summer, but finished the following season as top scorer as the Blades won automatic promotion to the Premier League.

And, ahead of the train journey down to London to meet Moyes' men, Wilder was asked if McGoldrick is the best free transfer signing he has ever made.

"Well, Flecky [John Fleck] has not been a bad one. Enda [Stevens] hasn't been a bad one, has he? But David is right up there," Wilder admitted.

"I think that shows you where our recruitment is at, it's been varied in my time and punts have been taken. Some haven't come off and some have come off, in conjunction with the player's attitude and ability.

"I've nothing but admiration and respect for David, not just as a player and as a person. I think all the fans will recognise that, for him to go through the period he had and not scoring. I don't like personal criticism and scapegoats, I think it's lazy and cheap and I'm not into it.

"I know how much he enjoys playing for this football club, and playing in the Premier League."

McGoldrick was unfairly tagged as "injury prone" when he left Ipswich.

"He's always had talent and ability," Wilder added.

"I spoke to Harry [Dave Bassett] about him from when he was a young kid at Southampton.

"He puts it all together with his experience, he's overcome injury issues and he's found a home. He's a great example, he gives his best - which they all do.

"It may not look at times, but with my track record here and what drives me, I'm not going to be playing players who don't put it in."

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