Sheffield United’s Simon Moore embraces No 2 role at Bramall Lane

The Blades may sit seventh in their first season back in the Premier League, with 10 games remaining when they travel to Aston Villa a week today.

But 30-year-old Moore – part of the League One promotion team from 2016-17 – has been forced to play No 2 to first-choice Dean Henderson, the goalkeeper on loan from Manchester United.

He made just two Cup appearances last term, and his only Premier League game this season came in the 3-3 draw against Manchester United – as Henderson was ineligible to play against his parent club.

Yet while Moore is like any footballer, unhappy unless they are playing every week, he has embraced the squad mentality which has served the Blades so well under manager Chris Wilder.

“It’s been difficult for myself, it’s been hard the last couple of years,” said Moore.

“I have not played as many games as I would have liked to have done.

“But I have still been working hard in training to better myself as a goalkeeper.

“My role has been slightly different as No 2 over the last couple of years to Deano, but it’s one which I have embraced and like to think I have helped us achieve. It would be very easy for a lot of players to take their foot off the gas and let things slide.

“It’s not just myself, you have got the likes of Phil Jagielka who’s only played a few appearances this season. But he has been a massive character in the dressing room and a big part of the success the club has achieved.

“Characters like that are there to advise and help the so-called younger lads.

“It’s just getting that balance of experience, hunger and competitiveness, and we have a bit of everything which has bred that success over the last four seasons.”

With 10 league games – plus an FA Cup quarter-final with Arsenal – to squeeze in before the end of July, Wilder will need all of his squad for the busy run-in.

Michael Verrips and Moore will both be hoping to get the goalkeeper jersey for the trip to Old Trafford on June 24 – when Henderson will be again ruled out.

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