Revealed: Why Oli McBurnie played for Sheffield United tonight after withdrawing from Scotland squad

Less than 48 hours after pulling out of Friday’s fixture in Glasgow, McBurnie appeared as a second half substitute for Lys Mousset as Wilder’s men triumphed 2-0 in the east Midlands.

Although the centre-forward’s appearance raised eyebrows north of the border, Wilder told The Star that Clarke had approved both his return to Bramall Lane and participation in a match settled by goals either side of the break from Ben Osborn and Billy Sharp.

“Oli is still not properly fit,” Wilder said. “You could see that out there and there’s a big difference between him getting through 30 minutes here, even though I kept him on for 45, and starting a match for his country and having people expect him to put it all on and leave everything out there.

“I spoke to Steve beforehand and he agreed with us that, given where Oli is at, he was better off being with us and doing this. He was happy with everything and we kept him fully informed of everything. For me, and for him (Clarke) it makes perfect sense.”

Insisting the Republic of Ireland’s Stephen Kenny had also sanctioned United’s decision to oversee David McGoldrick’s rehabilitation from a foot problem rather than take part in their upcoming meeting with Bulgaria, Wilder added: “We’re in constant dialogue with Steve and Stephen and everybody agreed. Listen, I want the boys to go away with their countries. I’m happy for them to represent their countries and I want them to be happy, and properly equipped, to do it.”

Speaking after efforts from Osborn and Sharp ensured United followed last week’s win over Hearts with another victory, Wilder outlined plans to bring five new faces to South Yorkshire before the end of the transfer window. Although talks about two potential loan signings are “progressing well”, Wilder warned the international calendar meant it was “unlikely” United would unveil further new signings until after Friday’s visit to Preston North End.