Oli McBurnie is backing Sheffield United for Champions League qualification when the season resumes.
Premier League football has been indefinitely suspended since March 13 due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, BBC Sport reports its return as part of ‘Project Restart’ is moving closer.
Clubs are expected to give the go-ahead for players to train in groups of up to five this week. They are working towards a return date of June 12 – although that could still be pushed back.
The Bundesliga made a successful comeback in Germany at the weekend. Despite games being played behind closed doors, there were concerns fans would still gather outside stadiums.
Yet with no sign of that happening, the Premier League has been given further hope of coming back at some point next month.
This is good news for the Blades, who have been enjoying an excellent first year back in the top flight. They are currently seventh in the table, but are only two points behind fifth-placed Manchester United with a game in hand.
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Summer signing McBurnie is certainly confident the South Yorkshire side can be involved in Europe’s biggest club competition in 2020/21.
The striker has scored four league goals since his arrival from Swansea City to help the Blades to their current position.
“There’s no reason why we can’t do something remarkable this season,” McBurnie said during Chats with Sioned.
“It’s crazy when you think about it, going from mid-table in the Championship to potentially playing in the Europa League or Champions League. It would be something special.
“As a footballer you always want to play at the highest level you can and test yourselves against the best players. It has always been a dream of mine to play at the very top.
“I have played international football and I have played Premier League. So to add Champions League on to that would be remarkable.”
Fifth place could be good enough for the Blades to achieve Champions League qualification this term. That is because Manchester City have been given a two-year ban from Uefa competitions.