John Egan believes he has adapted well to life in the Premier League with Sheffield United although he admits the games are more “mentally demanding”. The 26-year-old defender has played every minute so far of the Blades’ four top-flight games as Chris Wilder’s side have generally made a solid start.
A win over Crystal Palace and draws against Chelsea and Bournemouth means they already have five points on the board and Egan and his teammates appear to have taken the step up from the Championship so far in their stride.
Egan is in no doubt playing week in-week out in the Premier League will make him a better player and he admits there are different challenges when coming up against higher quality players but he’s happy with his performances so far.
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He said: “You’re playing against top teams every week, so you’re being asked different questions and coming up against the best strikers. It can only benefit me and make me a better player. I’m just looking to keep improving. “I think the Premier League is more mentally demanding.
You come up against players – you give them one chance, they’re going to take it. “Personally I feel like my performances have been good. I’ve really enjoyed the step up. I’m trying to embrace it and really have a good few games and good season now and show that I belong.”
Egan is currently with the Republic of Ireland squad over the international break but was an unused sub in the 1-1 Euro 2020 qualifying draw against Switzerland on Thursday as boss Mick McCarthy preferred Brighton’s Shane Duffy and Derby County’s Richard Keogh at the back.
The Blades man could feature, however, in Tuesday night’s friendly against Bulgaria before returning to Premier League action at the weekend when Wilder’s side host Southampton.
