Fears that defender John Egan could be carrying an injury appear to have been played down by Chris Wilder.
The Irishman came off late in the day as the Blades beat Burnley yesterday. Phil Jagielka stepped in for Egan and proved he was still capable at this level.
But following the game, United manager Chris Wilder moved to allay any fear that Egan might have an injury.
“He’s okay. I’ve just had a little peek to see how he is. He just didn’t feel too well,” Wilder said (Sheffield Star).
That comment from Wilder seems to suggest that there is nothing to worry about for the Blades with Egan.
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The former Brentford man has been an ever-present for United this term. After signing from the Bees, he has become central to United’s excellent defensive record.
Importance
There’s little doubting the importance of Egan to the Sheffield United cause. In the middle of Jack O’Connell and Chris Basham, he goes about his business with minimal fuss.
Egan doesn’t particularly possess any sort of eye-catching attributes either. He’s simply just good at everything a central defender needs to be good at. Strong in the air, quick enough over the first ten yards, and excellent reading of the game ensure little gets past him.
He’s been brilliant this season as United have kept five clean-sheets. He’s always up there in the man of the match conversation. But for some superb displays yesterday from more attacking players, he could have easily been given it again for his handling of Ashley Barnes.
Replacements
Spurs are next up for United in what is bound to be a tough test. It’s the final game before yet another international break.
Richard Stearman and Phil Jagielka are the obvious names to replace Egan if he does somehow miss out next week.
Jagielka is the man more than likely to get the nod. The summer signing has come on a handful of times already and done his job with minimal fuss. Chris Wilder will have no issue in chucking the ex-England man into the fray.