Wolves' Kevin McDonald aiming big for his Sheffield United return

The Wolves playmaker makes his first return to Bramall Lane since leaving last August in a bargain £250,000 deal.

But, while he is sure to be noticed by Sheffield United fans, it's the way that he has been singled out by the opposition in recent times that will be of more concern to him and Wolves.

Everyone who has watched Wolves since the turn of the year will know that McDonald is more often than not the starting point for their attacks.

Such is the importance and threat of the 25-year-old that he has become a marked man.

From McDonald's point of view – and much like his smooth passing games – he takes it in his stride.

"I respect the way they want to stop me – it's a compliment, and a bonus if I can find a way to combat it," he said.

"It makes you feel good but we have many more players who can win us games.

"If I was the opposition, I'd be looking to stop Bakary Sako, Michael Jacobs, James Henry or Nouha Dicko.

"If it was me they wanted to stop the other night, it reflected in the way they were set up and it worked, so fair play to Crawley. I think it's part of football."

McDonald believes teams' planning to stop them is an occupational hazard with Wolves top of the league and after a club-record nine straight wins.

"Teams have looked at us and have changed their line-ups and switched their tactics to try to stop us playing," he said.

"We couldn't break Shrewsbury or Crawley down as we have done other teams but it's something we've all got to get used to and sometimes we may have to change tactics as well to find a different way to win."