Sheffield United: This is why the international break could not have come at a better time for two members of the squad

As they oversee a warm-weather training camp in Spain, the Sheffield United manager and his staff will be hoping none of those selected by their respective countries sustain injuries or knocks.

But for two of those missing the trip to Valencia, the timing of their call-ups could be a blessing in disguise. After making a combined total of only 11 senior starts since August, Conor Washington and Scott Hogan will benefit from being involved with Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Especially as their United colleague and fellow centre-forward Gary Madine is suspended for the next two Championship games.

Although Hogan played the first-half of the victory over Brentford, returning to the bench for Saturday's win at Leeds, Washington has not featured in any of United's last seven outings. But with Madine ruled-out until next month's visit to Birmingham City, the former Queens Park Rangers marksman will find himself back in contention if Wilder's attacking options are further diminished between now and April 10th's outing at St Andrews.

It was noticeable that Billy Sharp, United's captain and leading goalscorer this term, shoehorned Washington's name into conversation ahead of their success in West Yorkshire.

"We've got some good choices up there" he said. "And Conor is definitely one of those. He's a class player. Don't forget that."

Washington could enjoy an opportunity to stretch his legs when Michael O'Neill's side begin their Group C campaign against Estonia on Thursday before Belarus visit Belfast three days later.

Hogan, on loan from Aston Villa, is among four United players selected by Mick McCarthy, O'Neill's opposite number in Dublin, for the group D meetings with Gibraltar and Georgia. John Egan, Enda Stevens and David McGoldrick are also set to spend the next seven days at the FAI's training base in Abbotstown.

John Fleck is preparing to travel to Kazakhstan and San Marino with Scotland, who have been placed in Group I, while Dean Henderson and Hogan's fellow loanee Kieran Dowell are set to represent England under-21's during their double-header against Poland and Germany.

Both appeared at Elland Road, as Chris Basham's goal saw United climb to second in the table.

When are the 'International Blades' in action?The Republic of Ireland (John Egan, Enda Stevens, Scott Hogan, David McGoldrick): Saturday, Tuesday.Northern Ireland (Conor Washington): Thursday, Sunday.Scotland (John Fleck): Thursday, Sunday.England under-21's (Dean Henderson, Kieran Dowell): Thursday, Tuesday.