LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Paul Heckingbottom, Manager of Sheffield United during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Blades boss fires shot at Ireland manager over John Egan incident

Paul Heckingbottom opted not to field John Egan against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, considering the Sheffield United captain’s return from international duty with the Republic of Ireland, during which he sustained knee and ankle injuries. Egan, who had played for Ireland despite his prior injury, was absent for the Spurs match.

Sheffield United’s Irish defender #12 John Egan looks on as Sheffield United’s English midfielder #23 Ben Osborn receives medical treatment during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England on August 27, 2023. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Paul Heckingbottom was asked if he was frustrated that Egan travelled with Ireland and played in both their games, Heckingbottom exclaimed: “Yeah, obviously. If he hadn’t played he’d have been fit but we can’t dictate to teams, it’s an international break and they take priority. We have to live with the consequences. John is a proud Irishman. I never had that opportunity [to play international football]. I would have loved to play for England but wasn’t good enough.” [The Star]

Injuries also plagued defender George Baldock and striker Will Osula, reigniting the club versus country debate among supporters. Both Baldock and Osula were unavailable for the Spurs match due to their injuries, with Baldock expected to be sidelined until next month due to a calf problem.

Jayden Bogle is set to enjoy an extended spell in the lineup in Baldock’s absence following his impressive performance against Spurs. Sheffield United remains hopeful that Egan will recover in time for the upcoming match against Newcastle United at Bramall Lane on Sunday.

Bogle, Gustavo Hamer, and the returning James McAtee did experience cramps during the match in north London, which was the reason for their early exit in the game against Spurs.

 

 

 

 

Tags John Egan Paul Heckingbottom Sheffield United