Sam Byram believes the international break has come at a good time for himself and the squad as Neil Redfearn’s side prepare to enter a hectic final month of the season.

The 21-year-old has been a regular fixture in the starting line-up this term, featuring 32 times in all competitions and recently returning to the team at Fulham, where he was on the scoresheet, following a short injury lay-off.

United have just seven games left of the 2014/15 campaign, with all remaining fixtures, starting at home to Blackburn Rovers next weekend, coming in the space of four weeks.

The current two-week international break, the Championship’s first since mid-November, comes on the back of a typically busy period for United, culminating in the 1-1 draw at Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road.

"It’s nice to have the rest," said Byram. "There are a lot of lads who I think needed the break.

"We’ve had a lot of games in the weeks coming up to this and there’s also a lot packed into a short space after the international break. I think the rest will do us all good.

"We get a few days off to rest our legs but training goes on as normal.

"I think, especially with the run of games we’ve got coming up – five in two weeks, I think it will do the boys good to let their legs rest."

On the draw at Blackpool, he added: "It’s a tough place to go with the state of the pitch and they’re fighting for every single point.

"To come away with a draw – people think it’s bad point because they’re down at the bottom – but we’ll take it."

United have two first-team regulars currently out on international duty, with Lewis Cook and Alex Mowatt away representing England Under-19s and U20s respectively.

The pair were both unused subs for their opening games this week, but are likely to feature over the weekend before returning to West Yorkshire late next week ahead of Blackburn’s visit to Elland Road.

Byram said: "I saw Alex was on the bench on Wednesday night. It’s good for them to go out and play in tournaments.

"It’s good to play with players from other teams and I think they’ll learn a lot from it."

Byram is yet to earn an international cap but has previously gained recognition from England when he was called up to the U20s for the 2013 World Cup, only to be forced into withdrawing from the squad due to a hip injury.

And the United Academy graduate says that representing his country remains on his agenda.

"It’s a huge honour to be able to play for your country at any level," he said.

"I just keep trying to do my best for my club here so hopefully I might get a chance."

Byram, who has found the net three times this term, is among the nominees for the Young Player of the Year award at the forthcoming End of Season Awards Night and is also in the running for the main accolade after playing a starring role for United throughout 2014/15.

Asked about his personal highlight of the season so far, he replied: "I don’t think I could pick one, to be honest. It’s nice to score, I’ve got a couple more this year than I have previously.

"I think, as a whole, I’ve had a lot more involvement this year than I did last year and I’m just looking to keep improving."

Asked how he is enjoying his role on the right wing, Byram replied: "I love playing. I do miss it at right back but I’m just happy to be in the team.

"Playing in an advanced role can only help develop me further as a player."