Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has warned Sheffield United to "think long and hard" over potentially offering Ched Evans a return to professional football.
The Blades have accepted the PFA's request that their former striker train with them following his release halfway into a five-year prison sentence for rape.
United manager Nigel Clough has insisted that Evans rejoining the League One club on a full-time contract is a long way away, and Liberal Democrats leader Clegg, who is MP for Sheffield Hallam, has urged them to consider their next move very carefully.
"I think they need to think very long and hard about the decision that they're due to make because footballers these days," Clegg told ITV News.
"They're not just any old employee, they're also role models for young people. He committed a very serious offence. Yes he's done his time but I think Sheffield United need to think very long and hard before taking a decision of bringing him back."
United have already felt the backlash of allowing Evans to train with them, with television presenter Charlie Webster and businesswoman Lindsay Graham resigning from their roles as club patrons.
