Sky Sports pundit backs Chris Wilder to "unlock" Sheffield United forward amid Stoke City blow | OneFootball

Don Goodman has given his opinion on the impact of Tom Cannon's move on both the Blades and Stoke City

Former player and current Sky Sports broadcaster Don Goodman believes that Chris Wilder has it in him to bring out the best in Tom Cannon following his arrival at Sheffield United in January.

Stoke City took a risk when they agreed to a recall clause in Cannon's loan deal in the summer window, and while the Republic of Ireland international was their go-to man for goals in the first-half of the season, their worst fears were confirmed in mid-January as Leicester City moved to cut his spell at the bet365 Stadium short.

An almighty transfer battle ensued for his signature at the top of the Championship, but with Sunderland also interested, Sheffield United beat off the competition to sign him for around £10m on a four-year contract as they look to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking this term.

Cannon has featured in just three games for the Blades as yet, and has one assist, but is yet to score in his new red and white stripes so far. Regardless, he is set to be given ample opportunities to impress at Bramall Lane, and Goodman believes he will soon find his groove under Chris Wilder.

Goodman backs Tom Cannon to succeed at Sheffield United at Stoke City's expense

United are firmly in the race for an automatic promotion spot in the Championship right now, in second place with 64 points, and the aim will be to have Cannon fire them back to the Premier League by May, with the 22-year-old likely to continue to start over the likes of Rhian Brewster and Kieffer Moore, when he is back fit.

Stoke, on the other hand, are struggling at the wrong end of the second-tier once again this season, and losing Cannon was certainly far from ideal, but they have moved to try and replace his goals with the loan signing of Ali Al-Hamadi from Ipswich Town.

Speaking to OLBG, Sky Sports pundit, Don Goodman, explained how he believes Blades boss Chris Wilder can utilise Cannon to his side's strengths this season, while admitting how much the loss could hurt the Potters.

Goodman said: "Losing Tom Cannon was a massive blow for Stoke. He's only 22 with nine league goals and has massive potential. Chris Wilder, as a motivator will get the best out of him.

"Cannon has gone to a club where the pressure to be promoted is on. He'll have to learn how to deal with periods where everything might not go his way.

"The pressure will probably be different to his stints at Leicester and Preston North End.

"It's the Preston Tom Cannon which Chris Wilder will try to unlock. I don't think he's reached those sort of levels since, but he's going to be playing in a team that creates plenty of chances and the hope will be that he can rediscover those type of levels."

Tom Cannon has all the tools to be a success with the Blades

Stoke beat off some very strong competition to secure Cannon on loan in the last week of the summer window, and he endured a slow start to life in the Potteries, but did prove himself as one of the best second-tier marksmen in his time at the club.

Their attacking options have been depleted following his departure, but while the Potters will rue Leicester's decision, particularly if Al-Hamadi is unable to replicate similar form, Sheffield United's promotion hopes have been massively boosted following his arrival last month.

United are currently second in the Championship after 31 games, but before Cannon joined, they were in real need of some added firepower in the final third to help them find the net more often and pull away from the competition for the automatic promotion spots.

Former Stoke man Tyrese Campbell is the only United striker that has consistently impressed this season, with six league goals in 19 games, while injury-plagued Moore has five in 20, Rhian Brewster has scored just twice in the last 18 months, and youngster Ryan One has not been trusted to lead the line on a regular basis.

Cannon may be yet to bag for the Bramall Lane outfit so far, but he is likely still finding his feet after such a whirlwind January, and will surely get on the board sooner rather than later if Wilder keeps the faith in his abilities.

His impressive assist against Derby County was a clear sign of that ability, not just in scoring goals, but also in helping the team find the net at crucial moments. There is little doubt of the 22-year-old's talents, it is now just a case of finding the right system and tactics that give him the best chance of netting regularly.