Sheffield United make contact with the Republic of Ireland about key defender

With Enda Stevens, his team mate for both club and country, missing the friendly because of a knee problem, the sight of Egan being forced off less than a quarter-of-an-hour into the game will have been a major concern for United manager Chris Wilder, who is already without fellow centre-half Jack O’Connell for the remainder of the Premier League campaign.

Although Egan is expected to be passed fit for next weekend’s meeting with West Ham, any complications in his recovery could leave United’s preparations for that match in disarray - particularly if Stevens, who is now back in South Yorkshire receiving treatment, is ruled-out of the game against David Moyes’ side.

A wing-back by trade, Stevens has deputised for O’Connell during United’s last three matches as Wilder searches for the best solution to the problem caused by the 26-year-old’s absence.

Egan’s combative style has seen him suffer several concussions since during a career which has also seen him represent Sunderland, Gillingham and Brentford. With captain Billy Sharp starting only one game so far this term, Egan was handed the captain’s armband when United travelled to Chelsea last weekend.

Max Lowe, who has stepped into the void created by Stevens’ switch, was diagnosed with a concussion following United’s draw with Fulham earlier this term and was forced to miss the trip to Liverpool as a result.

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