Why Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder believes striker David McGoldrick will soon be back to his very best

McGoldrick informed officials in Dublin he no longer wished to be considered for selection earlier this week, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and focus on his commitments at Bramall Lane.

It means the 32-year-old will now remain in South Yorkshire following Saturday’s visit to Chelsea, rather than join team mates Enda Stevens and John Egan inside Stephen Kenny’s training camp for Ireland’s games against England, Wales and Bulgaria.

Speaking ahead of the match at Stamford Bridge, Wilder acknowledged that focusing on domestic football could help McGoldrick recapture the form which saw him saw him become one of the first names coaching staff scribbled onto their team sheets last term, as United finished ninth in the Premier League only a season after being promoted from the Championship.

He enters the meeting with Frank Lampard’s side having started their two most recent outings, against Liverpool and Manchester City, on the bench after Wilder chose to pair fellow striker Oli McBurnie with new record signing Rhian Brewster.

“There was no influence on David from us,” the United manager said. “He’s a sensible guy, he’s had a few injury issues that have led to him not getting up to speed as quickly as either he or us would have liked. He’s made that decision and should be supported in that decision.”

“There’s a benefit for us, yes, but I’m always a big supporter of players going away with their country if they want to,” Wilder added. “He’s such a big player for us, he’s given a lot to this football club and there’s so much more for him to give and do too.”

United travel to the capital searching for their first win of the new campaign, having drawn one and lost six of their seven league fixtures since competition resumed in September. Admitting that a lack of fluency in the final third has been a factor behind those results - “All of the other stats tell me we’re not far off” - Wilder’s comments suggest he views McGoldrick, whose positional sense and link-up play remain potent weapons - as a potential solution to that problem.

Having been troubled by an abductor injury over the past few weeks, McGoldrick is expected to complete a tailor-made recovery programme following his return from London.

“I think everyone who knows Sheffield United, knows what David brings to the table,” Wilder said. “He’s a top player and a top bloke who, like the rest of the lads, always pouts everything in and cares deeply about his performances. He’s still got so much to offer here for a long time to come and we’re looking forward to seeing that.

"He knows better than anyone what is best for him and that’s why I also know people will respect his decision.”

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