Striker backed to play a major role in Sheffield United's battle for Premier League survival

After missing seven games with a shoulder problem, McBurnie made his first appearance since Boxing Day during last weekend’s visit to Manchester City before featuring again as United beat fellow strugglers West Bromwich Albion at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night.

Introduced as a substitute for the start of the second period, McBurnie’s presence helped change the course of a contest which saw Jayden Bogle and Billy Sharp fire United to victory following Matt Phillips’ opener.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s meeting with Chelsea, Wilder told The Star the Scotland international can bring a different dynamic to his attack during a run of games set to decide the club’s top-flight future.

“Oli made a big difference, he has made a big difference,” the United manager said. “When you think he’s had no football whatsoever since Christmas, I think his performances have been excellent and that’s got to continue.

“He showed good technique, he took some whacks. He’s a really important player for us.”

Despite being much-maligned by some, particularly those charting his progress at international level with Scotland, Wilder has remained a staunch supporter of McBurnie since signing him from Swansea City following United’s promotion from the Championship two seasons ago. Although Wilder likes to adjust his attack on a match-by-match basis in an effort to exploit opponents’ weaknesses, McBurnie looks set to become a key figure in United’s plans as they attempt to build upon their recent progress.

After losing all but three of their first 18 outings this term, they enter Sunday’s game against Chelsea searching for their sixth victory in eight in all competitions. After facing Thomas Tuchel’s squad, United then play host to Bristol City in FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday before travelling to London for clashes with West Ham and fellow strugglers Fulham.

Despite remaining bottom of the table and finding themselves 11 points from safety following Brighton and Hove Albion’s win over Liverpool last night, Wilder insists his men still have a chance of preserving their top-flight status.

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