Team mate's amazing triubute to Sheffield United striker

“Learning from the best,” was how McBurnie, the second most expensive player in Sheffield United’s history, chose to caption it.

McGoldrick might not be the most prolific player at the Premier League club’s disposal. But McBurnie’s tribute, posted 48 hours after the Republic of Ireland had scored his first United goal since April, confirmed he is one of the most talented, intelligent and respected.

“Chances are at a premium in this division but he’s a fantastic footballer,” Chris Wilder, the United manager, said after watching McGoldrick open his account for the domestic season at Reading on Tuesday night. “When he gets on a roll you know he can finish.

“The longer it went on, the more difficult it became. But you saw the reaction from the players and fans,how much he’s appreciated.”

McGoldrick’s header, clinically converted from a Ben Osborn cross, laid the foundations for United’s FA Cup victory at the Madejski Stadium; a result which will see them face Arsenal in the quarter-finals.

After a series of missed chances, most notably during games against Brighton and Wolves, it also provided a reminder that the 32-year-old can finish. Indeed McGoldrick, now recovered from a minor injury, was on target 15 times as United climbed out of the Championship last term.

Speaking midway through his barren run, Wilder told the media during one of his weekly briefings that McGoldrick would “still be one of the first” people United called upon “if he never scored again.” Because, even though his returns in front of goal might not be the greatest, McGoldrick is, quite simply, superb at everything else he does. So it would be a surprise if Wilder does not use him in some capacity when United resume their push for a top four finish against Norwich City tomorrow afternoon.

Enda Stevens is expected to join McGoldrick in the squad which faces City after overcoming the calf problem that ruled him out of the trip to Berkshire.