The City star will hope to keep Ireland’s World Cup dreams alive over the next few days
Hull City defender John Egan has declared himself ready and raring to go as he looks to help the Republic of Ireland claim a place in the World Cup play-offs.
Ireland know they must better Hungary’s results in the next two games to ensure they earn a play-off spot for next summer’s finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Egan‘s men face runaway leaders Portugal at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Thursday night before heading to Budapest on Sunday for what could well be a huge showdown in the final game of Group F, provided Armenia can pull off a shock against the Hungarians.
WATCH: John Egan’s pride at returning to Ireland fold
The City star was back in last month’s squad for the first time in two years, and received a typical dressing room welcome from boss Sergej Jakirovic on his return to Cottingham owing to the final moments of Ireland’s 1-0 defeat in Lisbon.
Egan came off the bench at 0-0 only for Cristiano Ronaldo to notch the winner, and the experienced performer was ribbed on his return, something he says is part and parcel of being in a dressing room.
“I know, tough love, tough love here,” he joked. “It’s unbelievable to be back in the squad. I’ve got a job to do. We’ve got to have a big week, really. I’m delighted to get the call, and now it’s about going there and helping as much as I can.”
The 33-year-old is aware of the size of the task facing Ireland if they’re to keep dreams of qualification alive going into Sunday’s game at the Puskas Arena.
“I think every game, you have to go out there and try and get a result,” he continued. “We know we need a big week; we never do it the easy way, but we have to give it everything. I just see it as the next game, can we get a result from the next game, not really looking too far past that.”
After suffering a nasty injury at Sheffield United and then struggling to play at Burnley, Egan has been reinvigorated since coming to City in January and has gone on to play 26 times, with 15 of those coming this season. Playing regularly and in a side performing well this term, Egan has found himself back in the fold, something he says remains the greatest honour.
“For me, it’s the best part of my career,” he confessed. “The biggest goal I ever had was to play for Ireland. I’m an Irishman, a proud Irishman, and the best I’ve felt is putting the green jersey on, playing for Ireland. I think it’s the biggest honour I can have as a player, I’m just delighted to be given the opportunity to go into camp again.
“I was out, got a bad injury, I ruptured my Achilles, and I went from being captain and playing a lot of games to not being in a squad for two years. I had to fight back and get myself back on the pitch and put myself back into contention to get back involved. I managed to get back involved in the last camp. I’ve been called up again and I’m just raring to go.
“I think the more games you play, the more confident and the better you get, especially coming back from an injury. You want to get out onto the pitch and get back into a rhythm. I’ve always had a lot of self-belief in myself, in my ability, and I know the hunger and the mentality I have to do well.
“It’s brilliant to be called up, but I know there are two massive games. The most important thing is to try and get results, and that’s why I really want to be there to help, and if I get a chance to play, then I’ll give it one hundred per cent.”
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