Put your shirt on me to deliver says Blades maverick

The Maltese international joined the Blades from Barnsley this summer – immediately sparking talk of a link with the club's sponsors 'Visit Malta'.

But Bogdanovic, who was born in Libya, insists that nothing could be further from the truth.

Speaking ahead of today's South Yorkshire derby against Doncaster Rovers, the striker said he 'owed nothing' to his former homeland and had no involvement with anyone from the Maltese tourism board.

He also rubbished the state of the game on the Mediterranean island and admitted that he is considering quitting international football.

"'Visit Malta' do nothing for me. It's nice that they sponsor the club but they do not put bread on my table or change my life," he said. "I don't even know anyone who is involved with 'Visit Malta'!.

"They use my image as a Maltese player at the club they sponsor, which is only right, but I owe them nothing and they owe me nothing. It could be Zimbabwe for all I care."

Bogdanovic, 30, acquired Maltese citizenship when his father Michael, who was born in Montenegro, landed the job of Maltese national coach. The family moved to Tunisia after four years on the island and it was there that Bogdanovic started his professional football career.

Over the next 10 years, he played his football in Malta, Hungary, Italy and Bulgaria before arriving in English football two years ago,

"I don't class football in Malta as football," he said. "Not compared to football at Sheffield United, Lokomotiv Sofia or Barnsley."

On the possibility of retirement from international football, he said: "I want to concentrate on club football with Sheffield United because I want to achieve something. I am a winner and I hate losing.

"Although I play football for Malta and it has given me a passport, right now I am considering my options. We will have to see what happens," he said.

Having broken into the Blades side four games ago, Bogdanovic now plans to silence the critics who questioned his right to play for the club.

New manager Gary Speed has been impressed with his performances.

"You have to believe in yourself as a footballer and I hope I can prove wrong all those who were sceptical about my move from Barnsley. I know people were saying it was only due to the sponsors, in newspapers and on forums, but that is not the case.

"It has given me extra motivation. People can say what they want, talk is cheap, but it's what I do on the pitch that matters," said the striker.

With his shoulder-length black hair and stubble, Bogdanovic cuts the image of a player from a different era. He is not afraid to speak his mind and, like many other football mavericks, philosophises about his art. His individuality may actually be his greatest strength rather than a weakness.

"Sometimes I get criticised by managers for trying to do things that are more difficult instead of doing the simple things – but that's my character," he said. "I will always choose a bigger mountain to climb.

"I never opt for the easy things in life. So the challenge here was nothing new. My life has been like this since I was a two-year-old kid and there have been plenty of exciting moments."

During his spell in Hungarian football, Bogdanovic had to wait six months for a pay cheque after his club's president walked away, taking with him all the finance.

In Bulgaria, his club's president was shot and killed, prompting another eight-month delay in his wages. He eventually called in FIFA to be released from that contract.

Three years ago, he moved to Italian club Cisco Roma and linked up in attack with former Sheffield Wednesday star Paolo di Canio.

"He was a great player and I learned a lot from training alongside him," he recalls.

"He showed me one or two of his secrets and it was certainly an interesting time."

From Italy, he moved on to Bulgaria and a spell with Lokomotiv Sofia that ultimately alerted clubs in English football to his talent.

It was during his stay in Sofia that Bogdanovic got his first taste of a passionate local derby – an experience that may come in handy today at the Keepmoat Stadium.

"We played Levski Sofia, who had not lost a derby for 38 years," he recalled.

"But we won 1-0 and I scored my first goal for the club. There is nothing sweeter than winning a derby game.

"In some ways, that is why I wish Sheffield Wednesday had stayed in this division," he added. "But I know some people will disagree with me over that because they like to tease."

With his wife and three children, Bogdanovic has lived in Sheffield for two years but says that he would love to stay longer.

"For now I have a two-year deal with the option of a third season but if Sheffield United asked me to sign for five years I would say yes.

"This feels like the place to be. The attitude around the dressing room and in training is the right one and if we don't get to the Premier League this season, we can achieve it next time.

"Some people asked me if I regretted joining the club when I wasn't playing at the start of the season," he reflected.

"But how can you complain when you are playing for a great club like Sheffield United? Not everyone is lucky enough to play football. Only a stupid person would say they regret it. I know I may have other defects but I am definitely not a quitter or a loser."

Doncaster v Sheff Utd

Team news: Defender Shelton Martis, pictured, is set to return for Rovers, who have massive injury problems. Midfielder Simon Gillett and defender George Friend are out for several weeks due to knee injuries while midfielders Mark Wilson and Martin Woods are doubts. Defender Adam Lockwood will need injections to play with a toe injury. Defender Richie de Laet is set to return at left-back for the Blades after Stephen Jordan suffered a pulled hamstring. Nick Montgomery is again ruled out by tendonitis. Darius Henderson, Lee Williamson and Ryan France are long-term absentees.

Last six games: Doncaster Rovers DLLDWL, Sheffield United WLDLDW.

Last time: Doncaster Rovers 1 Sheffield United 1; March 20, 2010; Championship.

Referee: KD Hill (Hertfordshire).

SkyBet odds: Doncaster Rovers to win 5-4, Sheffield United to win 21-10, Draw 12-5.