Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has admitted that his coaching staff are working harder than ever with one summer signing.

The Blades are desperate for Benie Traore to find his best form, as the Ivory Coast star has struggled this season at Bramall Lane.

He did score two for the Under-21s in midweek, but has not scored for the first team so far this season.

“You always want strikers to score goals," boss Heckingbottom told reporters regarding Traore's U21s display.

“The important thing was to get him minutes, we've had lots of other players do that if they weren't starting for the first team but Benie's started a lot of games and didn't need them to start with.

“He missed out on the last couple so it's important he got 90 minutes under his belt and to get the two goals. He got a third one, he says it was onside, as well. It would have been nice for him to get a hat-trick."

“We have had conversations with him about his standards and where he needs to be better. I want it to be really clear," Heckingbottom added.

“Like most players, it's not plain sailing, especially when you are young. For lots of different reasons you have fluctuations in form, things happening in your life. We have to be consistent in how we approach it with the players and the standards they set. We want more from him, of course we do, but we know we are going to have to support him through that.

“He's had moments where he has shown really good qualities and you can all see his athleticism and his pace. He's been really good when he has had a lot of space to play in. Now we are trying to get the other side of his game as well; if it is tight and we still need a goal, playing against a team sitting in because they are leading, where he can add to that as well."