Callum Robinson's bright start to life in the Premier League has struck a chord with Mick McCarthy.
In July, Sheffield United splashed out a then club record fee of over £7 million to snare the forward from Preston North End.
And on Saturday, the 24-year-old opened his top flight account with the Blades’ first goal in their 2-2 draw at Chelsea.
He could start just behind lone striker and clubmate David McGoldrick in Thursday’s key clash with Switzerland.
McCarthy said yesterday: “He has started well (in the Premier League) and scored his first goal which will give him confidence.
“I don’t know why he was getting a bollocking at half time as I saw Chris Wilder get stuck into him but whatever he said worked.
“He was always a good player in the Championship and he’s only had four Premier League games.
“The fact he’s playing in the Premier League doesn’t automatically mean he’s improved greatly. But he will over the season, certainly.”
Robinson has won six caps since breaking through in the latter stages of Martin O’Neill’s reign.
And while he has yet to score an international goal, he is capable of sparking a moment of magic.
“He's got good pace, good movement and two decent feet. I think he can be a lot better as well. There's a lot of improvement in him and I think he believes that as well.”
Meanwhile, McCarthy would have no qualms playing James McClean at left-back were Enda Stevens to get injured.
McClean has been deployed as a left wing-back for Stoke - bottom of the Championship - this season.
“I’ve got seven defenders and I haven’t got a second left back so if I had a problem with Enda I’d play James at left-back,” said McCarthy.
“He’s a better player than I ever thought he was. He’s far better and far more intelligent than that player who just runs up and down the wing and crosses.
“He gets a bad rap everywhere he goes but he is a great guy, he has a real positive influence on everybody.
“But Enda Stevens is different class - he’s really impressive, a very good player.”
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