It's a strange period for football as fixtures up and down the country continue to be suspended for health and safety reasons.

But while supporters are spending their days on the sofa watching television, our favourite players are going to extreme lengths to ensure that they remain match fit.

Matches are suspended until April 30th at present, however it remains to be seen whether that date will be pushed back further.

However in the mean time clubs up and down the country have their squads on strict fitness plans to ensure that they're in the best shape possible despite being in self-isolation.

Some are slogging away on bikes or treadmills, but Sunderland stopper Jon McLaughlin has taken a more rural approach to his health.

The experienced goalkeeper appeared in a news item on Sky Sports News where he spoke about his approach as he looks to combine his fitness with self-isolating by running through a forest near his home.

Government advice states that people shouldn't be within two metres of each other due to the current gravity of the outbreak, and it appears that McLaughlin is not taking any chances.

QUIZ: Can you name the player who scored the first Sunderland goal in each of the last 16 seasons?

The verdict

The threat of this outbreak is certainly taking the world by storm.

While football fans may be frustrated by the suspended fixture schedule, it's worth remembering that some things are more important than a football match.

The health and wellbeing of those in attendance has to be of the utmost importance as this vicious virus has the potential to cause serious harm if it's not contained.

Of course football clubs need to do what is best for themselves from a business point of view, but surely common sense will prevail with a matter such as this.