Bosnia and Herzegovina international is still in Sheffield United's thinking

Rather than John Lundstram, who until returning to the starting eleven against Norwich City last weekend had seen Sander Berge take his place in midfield. Besic has been arguably the biggest casualty of the Norway international’s January move from Genk.

After spending the first half of the Premier League campaign on the bench, a series of impressive cameo performances had seen Besic stake a strong claim for a regular starting role over the New Year period; particularly with Lundstram appearing visibly fatigued during the 1-1 draw at Arsenal two months ago.

But Berge’s arrival, coupled with Lundstram’s return to form, has limited the Bosnia and Herzegovina international’s opportunities still further. Indeed, he has failed to appear on the team sheet in any of United’s last five outings.

Wilder, however, has told the on-loan Everton man that he has an important role to play as United attempt to secure qualification for either the Europa or the Champions leagues.

“Mo is a part of it, that 25 man squad,” Wilder said. “The same goes for lads like (Leon) Clarke and Luke Freeman as well. They all have to be ready and they are, that’s the pleasing aspect of it.

“Ozzy (Ben Osborne) and Jack Robinson have shown that when they’ve come on recently.”

With both Berge and Lundstram expected to be involved when seventh placed United travel to Newcastle on Saturday, Besic could again be forced to watch the fixture from the stands.

“Mo can count himself a little bit unfortunate,” Wilder conceded. “But I have to do what’s right and it’s the tough nature of Premier League football, that’s the business we are in and everybody knows and appreciates that.

“We looked to improve in January and make the group stronger, which we did. Mo is a part of that group.”