Wilder plays down fears over ever-present Egan

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has played down fears that defender John Egan could be carrying an injury. Egan was substituted late on during the Blades’ 3-0 home win over Burnley on Saturday amid concerns that the Republic of Ireland international could have a problem.
But following the game, Wilder moved to allay any fears that Egan might have an injury that would rule him out of next week’s match against Tottenham Hotspur or some key games after that for the Irish. “He’s okay. I’ve just had a little peek to see how he is. He just didn’t feel too well,” Wilder told the Sheffield Star.
That will be a big relief to Mick McCarthy, who named Egan among his squad for this month’s crunch Euro 2020 qualifier against Denmark and friendly against New Zealand.
The former Brentford man has developed into a reliable option for McCarthy and started in both of his country’s qualifiers during October’s international break.
The 27-year-old from Cork has also been an ever-present for the Blades this term, playing a key role in Wilder’s men protecting the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League.
Alongside Jack O’Connell and Chris Basham in Wilder’s preferred back three, Egan has helped keep five clean sheets already this season.
And Spurs, who are next up for United, will not be relishing the prospect of facing that defence – particularly if Harry Kane remains on the sidelines and Heung-min Son is suspended.
Phil Jagielka, who appeared off the bench to replace Egan, would be the likely recipient of his place if the Irishman failed to prove his fitness.
And Wilder admits he would have no qualms about thrusting the ex-England defender into the action once more. “I thought Jags was great when he came on,” Wilder said. “He went out there, won his first couple of headers and it was great to see him out there on the pitch. That would have been great for him too.”