Ireland defender John Egan says he is in a good place as he returns from injury

Michael Bolton

John Egan says his focus is coming back from a long-term injury as his contract comes to an end with Sheffield United.

Egan has been ruled out since October with a serious Achilles injury. He missed the majority of Sheffield United's season, which saw them relegated from the Premier League.

The Ireland defender said there is currently "no update" on his future with the club.

The centre-back admitted it was tough to watch from the sidelines as the club endured a difficult season.

However, he says he is now in a good place, and is looking forward to pre-season despite questions over his future.

"It was very hard. The worst thing about professional sport is getting an injury, especially a long-term one.

"It was hard to accept at the start, but once you have the road to rehab and the road to recovery out in front of you, you just have to trust the process and give your body time to heal, and do what is asked of you, and I feel like I have done that.

“When you’re out for a long time mentally, you have to be strong.

“I could draw on experience from when I was 20 and I broke my leg, so I’ve been down this road before.

“My role off the pitch this year has been big because I’ve been trying to be a positive influence around the place and see a different side of the game when you’re in the physio room for that long.

"I am in a good place now, my body feels good, and I am looking forward to pre-season."

Since Egan last played for Ireland, speculation has mounted over whom the next permanent manager will be since the departure of Stephen Kenny in November.

While John O'Shea has taken charge of the last two international camps, it remains unclear what the future may hold.

The Sheffield United captain says that while he has been impressed by Ireland under O'Shea, he has tried not to think much about the situation.

"I think they have done well. John has done really well coming into that situation. All the feedback that I have been getting has been good.

"When John O'Shea walks into a room, he commands instant respect for the career he has had. I worked before with John as a coach.

"He has got a wealth of experience, and you can tell the last enjoy playing for him."

Competition at centre-back has increased in the Ireland side over the last few months, with Liam Scales and Jake O'Brien impressing for Celtic and Lyon respectively.

Alongside Nathan Collins, Dara O'Shea and Andrew Omobamidele, the fight for getting the centre-back role is competitive, with Egan hoping to return to the squad for September's Nations League games.

Egan says competition is good for the squad, and can be seen in all positions across the pitch.

"I think there has always been good competition, especially at centre-back since I have been in the Ireland squad.

"There is competition all over the pitch now. We have got a lot of good players, and that is key to improving as a team, making sure there is competition for places everywhere.

"Personally, I have a had a long-term injury, and I am just looking forward to getting back on to the pitch."