Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has backed John Egan to establish himself as a regular first-team player for the Republic of Ireland during the latest round of international fixtures.

Derby’s Richard Keogh is sidelined for the season with a knee injury, and Wilder thinks the games against Georgia and Switzerland this week could see Egan make his case to become an established starter:

“I know Mick [McCarthy] thinks a lot about him. So it’s a great chance for John now to go and cement a place in his national side, which I know he’s desperate to do.”

Egan made the move from Brentford in July 2018, and while he made his international debut before he arrived at Bramall Lane, he has become a regular in Ireland’s squad since making the switch to the Blades.

Manager Mick McCarthy even gave Egan the captaincy for their friendly win against Bulgaria last month despite it only being his fifth cap and Wilder says the centre-back was honoured to get the armband:

“John has done brilliant for us. He’s a proud Irishman like they all are, and representing your country is the pinnacle. When he captained them, you could see what it meant.”

Egan is not the only Sheffield United player in Ireland’s squad with Enda Stevens and David McGoldrick also included for this months’ Euro 2020 qualifiers.