Sheffield United boss Slavisa Jokanovic has backed striker Lys Mousset to kickstart his Sheffield United career in an interview with The Star, with the 25-year-old enduring a tough last year in South Yorkshire.

French forward Mousset produced a respectable ten goal contributions in 30 Premier League appearances during a successful 2019/20 season, his first with the Blades since joining from AFC Bournemouth.

But along with the rest of his teammates, the 25-year-old endured a torrid last season and didn't score a single goal in 13 competitive displays, potentially placing his Sheffield United career in doubt.

Since the arrival of Slavisa Jokanovic though, Mousset has been back in scintillating form for the South Yorkshire side as he looks to fend off the likes of Oliver McBurnie, Billy Sharp and David McGoldrick for a spot in the first 11 at Bramall Lane next term.

His brace against Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday night hasn't done his chances of starting in the Blades' opening Championship game against Birmingham City next month any harm.

But consistency could be key to his playing time as Jokanovic looks to take his side back to the Premier League at the first time of asking - and the manager has backed the Frenchman to forget about the 2020/21 campaign and be a success next season.

Speaking to the Sheffield Star, the 52-year-old said: "I try with him the same as others; I encourage him and so do my staff.

"He can put a disappointing year behind him. He must be positive and show a desire to change the story.

"In football, it is not a question about me. It is them. It is impossible to play all the years and be at the highest level.

"I detect he is focused, he is concentrated and he is enjoying the work. He can take a step forward and change the story."

The Verdict:

With Jokanovic's arrival at the club, this pre-season has been a fresh start for every member of the Sheffield United squad and this seems to have benefitted Mousset, who looks to be in good shape ahead of the next campaign.

Only David McGoldrick made a real impact up top for the recently relegated side last season. Rhian Brewster, Oliver McBurnie, Billy Sharp and Mousset all failed to step up to the plate - and this makes it so important the 25-year-old kickstarts his career at Bramall Lane if he wants to maximise his chances of returning to the Premier League in time for 2022/23.

As Nottingham Forest showed last season, you can have an outstanding defence but without a sufficient amount of attacking firepower in your squad, you have little chance of faring well in the Championship.

It remains to be seen whether there will be incomings and departures in their forward department before the transfer window closes next month, but the Frenchman will want to continue staking his claim to be a key player at Bramall Lane and in his current form, there's no reason why he can't.