Sheffield United boss' prediction about Sander Berge

Berge, who commanded a record £22m fee when he arrived from Genk, has been in solid rather than spectacular form since arriving in England two months ago; prompting claims John Lundstram should be recalled for Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Norwich City.

But remembering how O’Connell, now regarded as one of the top-flight’s most exciting defenders, struggled to make an impact at the beginning of his reign, Wilder predicted Berge’s class will soon shine through.

After making a disappointing start to his own United career, O’Connell has gone on to become a mainstay of the side which enters this weekend’s game eighth in the table having twice won promotion in the space of three seasons.

“I’m a football man and I know it doesn’t always work straight away,” Wilder said. “I roll back the years to Jack and after three games, people would have thought he was a dud.

“His performance at Southend, an own goal, and then he gives away a penalty at Millwall in the last minute. I suppose everyone was looking at me thinking ‘what have we signed?’.

“But I think I deserve the faith of our supporters in terms of who we’ve signed and that Jack O’Connell has become a major, major player for us.”

Berge, aged 22 and already an established Norway international, delivered his best display in a United jersey during Tuesday’s FA Cup win over Reading; a result which set-up a quarter-final meeting with Arsenal.

He was also being monitored by Serie A giants Napoli before agreeing his switch to South Yorkshire.

“I know there will always be an initial judgement,” Wilder said. “But for me, this is an obvious long-term signing.

“He’s had some tough games to cope with and he won’t be used to the intensity that we train at.

“It’s for him to get up to speed, but he has undoubted class and undoubted ability and I’ve been delighted with him. He'll be a really big player for us."