CHRIS Wilder has told of his "love" for Sunderland's Simon Moore, with the Sheffield United boss thrilled to see his former goalkeeper settled and happy on Wearside.

Moore previously played for Wilder at Sheffield United, starring for the Blades in their 2016/17 League One promotion winning campaign.

The goalkeeper was named in the PFA League One Team of the Year that season and would play 70 times for the Blades before leaving for Coventry City in 2021.

And Wilder only has positive things to say about the 34-year-old.

“I love him to bits," said the Sheffield United boss ahead of Sunderland's crunch Championship clash at Bramall Lane tonight.

"He was one of our early signings and he was outstanding in League One. He had competition at the football club, and just as a general person and character, he’s brilliant. I caught up with him recently, in not great circumstances, and he’s such a fabulous guy."

RECOMMENDED READING:

Although Moore initially played plenty after joining Coventry, he spent the final stages of his time with the Sky Blues out of the first team picture, and, after joining Sunderland in the summer, recently told of how quickly he's settled and how much he's enjoying his time at the Stadium of Light.

Wilder said: "I’m delighted for him, he’s been playing games at Sunderland. I’m not so sure he’s going to start on Friday but it’s always a pleasure and he was a big part of the start of the journey we went on.”

Just two places and two points separate Sheffield United and Sunderland at the top of the Championship ahead of tonight's game.

Wilder said: "It's an incredibly even contest and we have to enjoy it and embrace it and accept where we are and get on with it. I am and hopefully the players are feeling the same."