David McGoldrick has shown he could be a great choice as Sheffield United captain.
Billy Sharp currently has the armband, of course, but is sidelined until next season due to injury.
Sharp has also been linked with an exit from Bramall Lane, with both Derby County and Rotherham United thought to be interested.
If the 35-year-old – who is under contract until 2022 – were to leave, then McGoldrick might be the ideal successor as skipper.
Like Sharp, the retired Republic of Ireland international is an experienced figure in the dressing room.
McGoldrick turns 34 in November and is also about to enter the final year of his current deal with the Blades.
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Yet unlike Sharp, the forward has proven himself to be a first team regular in the top flight.
In general, performances have been poor throughout the United squad this term. It’s led to them equaling the earliest ever relegation from the Premier League.
However, the form of McGoldrick has been one bright spot – top scoring for the club with eight goals, including seven in the league.
Main reason McGoldrick could be Sheffield United captain
On the pitch, the Irishman has been one of the few positives for the Blades.
But it’s off it where McGoldrick arguably shines even more.
A quiet and humble figure, the attacker has shown he’s willing to speak up when he feels it’s right.
McGoldrick was instrumental in Premier League players taking a knee for Black Lives Matter when professional football returned last year post-lockdown.
After scoring the winner against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, he was once again voicing his opinion.
It’s ahead of football clubs boycotting social media this coming weekend in response to online abuse.
“It’s about time. What’s gone off on social media has happened to me last season. It’s happened to many players this year,” McGoldrick told Sky Sports.
“I think something needs to happen. It’s too easy to get racially abused on there. A young lad, Rhian (Brewster), in my team got done. I don’t want to see that. We don’t need that in the game.
“When the Super League got announced, it got cut out in 24/48 hours with all the response. Why is racism on the back foot? It’s bigger than the Super League in my eyes. Definitely something should be done.”
It’s this kind of forthright leadership which could benefit the Blades as they try and get promoted at the first time of asking in 2021/22.
Even if Sharp stays, then McGoldrick could make a superb vice-captain.