John Egan on Belgium draw: ‘We played really well, it definitely didn't feel like a friendly’

Seán O’Connor reports from FAI HQ in Abbottstown.

Republic of Ireland defender John Egan spoke to the media at FAI HQ this afternoon, ahead of Tuesday evening’s friendly against Lithuania.

The centre back has played every minute for Ireland since the win away to Andorra last June and shone last Saturday against Belgium. That evening, Kenny chose to stick with arguably his strongest back three with Egan, Shane Duffy, and Seamus Coleman against Belgium.

Although Ireland’s run of four consecutive clean sheets has come to an end, they still remain unbeaten in their previous seven games, and will be looking to make that eight tomorrow evening.

Ireland manager Stephen Kenny spoke glowingly about Egan after Saturday’s draw and added that his pressing was vital in the way Ireland set up against Belgium.

“I thought he was very, very influential in that period when we needed someone to be, in terms of spectacular challenges,” said Kenny

“His press was so aggressive from left centre-back that he won a couple of critical challenges plus he took the ball out and was able to add some calm to our play.”

The 29-year-old has enjoyed a stellar season at club level this season, featuring in every minute of Sheffield United’s Championship campaign to date. United sit in fifth coming into this international break and are hoping for a straight return back to the Premier League via the playoffs.

Reflecting on Saturday’s draw, Egan said that Ireland can take a lot of confidence from looking comfortable against the world’s number one side, even though they were missing their star names.

“It was a very pleasing performance,” Egan said.



“They're obviously a top side, we went toe to toe with them and on another day we could have got the win. It was a very good performance and one we have to build on now.”

“I felt I played well. The manager gives me a lot of confidence to go out and play well. I enjoyed the game. Throughout the team there were some huge performances. As a team we played really well. It definitely didn't feel like a friendly.”

“I feel like we're in a very good place. The improvement is there to see for everybody from a year ago to now. We’re on a good run now. Every player that's coming in is doing really well. It's a really good squad to be a part of.”

Two fellow Cork-men made huge impacts on Saturday, as Chiedozie Ogbene scored a spectacular opener before assisting Alan Browne’s late equaliser.

Asked about the impact Ogbene has made since bursting onto the international scene, Egan said that the 24-year-old has been a “breath of fresh air,” while he was impressed with Browne’s impact from the bench.

“I saw a funny thing on twitter, it said Cork 2 - 2 Belgium so I had a bit of craic with the boys about that,” Egan said.



“Chio has been brilliant and deserved his goal. Browne came off the bench, and to impact the game in that way showed what he’s all about. Well done to the lads for their goals and it’ll give them a huge amount of confidence now.”

“I've been hugely impressed (by Ogbene). I know Chio, we were at Brentford together. I already knew what Chio was all about before he came into the squad.”

“He’s a special person, he’s really humble, really hard working. He came in, got his chance, and grabbed it with both hands.”

“It's fair to say his performances have been unbelievable since he came into the team. Another goal on Saturday will only do the world of good for his confidence. He’s a really top and he's showing everybody what a top player he is.”

 

    About Seán O'Connor

    View Full Profile