The step Sheffield United took before helping to push through important law change

Despite confirming he would be “guided by the medical experts” during debates about the measure, which could be implemented as early as next week, United’s representatives at the get-together canvassed Wilder’s opinion before deciding their stance.

The 53-year-old, whose side face Plymouth Argyle in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, is believed to have urged them to throw their weight behind calls for two changes to be permitted if players are suspected to be suffering from traumatic head injuries. This proposal, supported by the overwhelming majority of top-flight clubs, is designed to address problems arising from a collision between team mates.

PL members, who also agreed that all fixtures in the competition should continue to be screened live on television during the latest phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, must now await the outcome of talks between competition officials and their counterparts at FIFA and IFAB - the game’s law making body - before learning when concussion substitutes can take place.

United had previously helped block a move to increase the number of substitutions managers are allowed to make in normal circumstances, fearing it would be a further handicap for those with smaller squads.

However, they had no objection to calls for greater steps to be taken to protect players suffering from concussion. Max Lowe and John Egan have already been treated for the condition this term, with the latter’s case diagnosed following a clash with a Republic of Ireland colleague during their recent friendly against England.

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