Sheffield United skipper Billy Sharp happy to suspend friendship with Coventry's Simon Moore on Bramall Lane return

Moore and Sharp were United teammates through the Blades’ rapid rise from League One to the Premier League, with the former Brentford and Cardiff City goalkeeper named in the PFA team of the season when the Blades stormed to the League One title.

The two became close friends off the field, too, before Moore left Bramall Lane at the expiry of his contract in the summer and linked up with Mark Robins’ City side.

Moore has been an ever-present in the Coventry side that find themselves fourth in the table ahead of his return to Sheffield, sitting 11 points higher than Slavisa Jokanović’s men in the Championship table.

Remembering Ronaldo's epic miss against Blades, on this day in 2006

And Sharp said: “I’ve seen them quite a few times this season, and Simon is a good friend of mine.

“Maybe they are overachieving a little but it’s like when we came into the Championship, when you’re flying then the belief is so high and you just keep going, game after game.

“I’d love to put a goal past him,” Sharp added, referring to Moore. “One, two or even three. It was probably the right decision for him [to leave in the summer].

Osborn determined to earn new deal - and return Blades to Premier League

“He’s a top goalkeeper but he’s in the opposite goal, so it’s about trying to get the ball past him, and I’ll speak to him after the game.

“They’re where they are on merit, the league table doesn’t lie. But if we’re at the top of our game on Saturday, I know we can take the points. I’m confident we can win the game.”

Sharp admitted that he hasn’t yet spoken to his and Moore’s former boss Chris Wilder, who was named as the new Middlesbrough boss over the international break.

“I’m sure he’s raring to go,” Sharp, who was handed the United armband by Wilder, added.

“He’s waited for the right club for him and it’ll be interesting to see how they go. We know what his teams are about and it’ll be interesting when we come up against them.”

While you're here, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details HERE. Your support is much appreciated. Chris Holt, Football Editor