Chris Wilder on David McGoldrick's international retirement

The 32-year-old announced his surprise decision on Wednesday after declaring that he wanted to concentrate on his club career and family.

McGoldrick has made 14 Ireland appearances since his debut in November 2014 in a 4-1 win over the United States.

His performances during last season saw him named as the FAI Senior Men's Player of the Year in August 2020.

On McGoldrick's move, Wilder said: "There was no influence on that at all. David is a sensible guy and a big player for us.

"He's had a slow start to the season and had a few issues from fitness levels through to injuries that have led to him not getting up to speed as quickly as we would have liked him to be.

"He has made that decision and he should be supported and the obvious benefit for us is that he is with us now and can concentrate on his club career and he has a lot more to give after (already) giving so much to the football club."

Wilder reports no fresh injury issues for Saturday's trip to Chelsea, but has provided an update regarding midfielder John Fleck and striker Lys Mousset.

He added: "We are okay in terms of health. It is really good to see John Fleck and Lys Mousset back on the grass this week. It’s a great boost for everybody and for me.

"It’s too soon for both of them, but we will be working with them right the way through the international period and will assess them off the back of that.

"John is in a better place that Lys, just because of the manner of the injury. Who knows, hopefully at the back end of the break, they could be pushing for a return, fingers crossed."

After Saturday's game, several United players are expected to link up with their countries during the international break, including Oli McBurnie, Oli Burke, Enda Stevens, John Egan and Sander Berge.

Scotland play a huge upcoming Euro 2020 play-off final against Serbia next Thursday and also play Slovakia and Israel as they travel Europe and beyond to bring their Nations League campaign to a close.

Ireland face England in a friendly clash at Wembley in seven days' time before taking on Wales and Bulgaria in the UEFA Nations League.

With the current situation in the United Kingdom and Europe, with a host of countries experiencing second waves in terms of Covid-19 transmissions, Wilder admits it is a concern - alongside the hectic itinerary for players who have barely had a proper break since June.

"The schedule is not ideal from our point of view because of the amount of games they are playing in that short period," the United chief continued.

"But it never usually is when players go away. I am caught in between. I am a massive supporter of players going away and playing for their countries. They face top players and come up against different styles.

"But there are difficulties. We had a massive scare with John Egan and it was tough and go whether he would be made available after the last international break.

"The Premier League have put in stringent measures and testing, which you’ve seen the benefit of. But when they leave our bubble or the Premier League, it’s a huge risk for the players when they are flying all around Europe."