Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie took part in media duty for the pre-match press conference ahead of tonights game against Sunderland.
The 26 year-old missed the end of last season due to a foot injury, McBurnie worked hard this pre-season in order to get back to fitness for the first month of the new season, and he’s done that. The Scottish international came on as substitute at the weekend against Middlesbrough in the 2-2 draw at the Riverside.
The forward told the media about how he feels with his return to the matchday squad:
“It was a really good feeling. It’s been so long I was wandering around the dressing room before the game and didn’t know what to do with myself. It was really good being back with the boys.” [Sheffield United YouTube]
McBurnie spoke about where his fitness levels are at:
“I feel very fit, healthy, strong and ready to crack on. I feel the best I’ve felt for as long as I can remember. I’ve put on a bit of weight and feel healthy. The gaffer, Jack [Lester] and Tom [Little] have been on me to get to PL levels.” [Sheffield United YouTube]
Sheffield United had a busy summer bringing in 6 new players to increase their squad depth for this season, with the new 5 subs rule being introduced to the Championship. Oli McBurnie echoes the strength in depth that the Blades have this season:
“With the squad, even with the boys out injured, the squad’s ridiculous in terms of talent and size and depth in most positions. As a squad we’re right up there in the league and we want to be up there in terms of positions.” [Sheffield United YouTube]
The forward failed to get on the scoresheet last season in what was individually a terrible season riddled with injuries. United’s number 9 was asked by the media if his goal return needed to improve for this season, he responded with:
“Yeah because it couldn’t get worse after the last year. I don’t think I started more than 3 games in a row last year so it’s not ideal but I’m not stupid, I know my goal return needs to be better.” [Sheffield United YouTube]
Oli McBurnie was also asked if he thinks the fans unfairly criticise him on social media, the Scottish forward remarked:
“No. They pay their tickets, they pay to watch us, they’re entitled to their opinion. I don’t think it’s unfair. Football is an opinions game. One manager can really like you, the next can not want you in the squad. It’s the same with fans so I don’t take too much of that into consideration. The manager appreciates what I do, the boys in the dressing room appreciate me and that’s what I try and hold myself to.” [Sheffield United YouTube]