Sheffield United’s new on-field captain John Egan says his team-mates are ready to ‘go into battle’ for the football club as they look to address their winless start to the season. The Republic of Ireland international has been wearing the skipper’s armband in recent matches and has been one of United’s standout performers during a difficult campaign so far. He has accepted that responsibility and is leading by example, both in performance and leadership qualities. It’s been a difficult start to the season, with United losing eight of their opening nine matches and finding themselves bottom of the table. However, the 28-year-old says the players have to find an extra gear and come through this difficult period.
John Egan said “We have had some tough games against top sides, but we have been in games for long periods. Now we have to do better, find that extra gear – if we go 1-0 up we need to push on. We have the ability and the players to do that, it is up to us to get resolute, be strong and come through it.5 We have to look at ourselves in the mirror. I know we are going to top teams, but we showed last year we are really capable of getting results against these sides. We have shown this year in patches we are capable of getting results.”