Sheffield United's John Egan looks set to become a star for his country after being praised by new manager

Kenny made the admission during his first media conference since replacing Mick McCarthy earlier this month, with the former Ipswich Town and Sunderland chief leaving the post following the postponement of Ireland’s European Championship play-offs due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Egan, who joined United from Brentford two years ago, has made eight appearance for his country with only three of those being starts.

Although McCarthy was an admirer of the defender’s talents, Kenny said: “It is hard to fathom how John has so few competitive caps because, when Sheffield United signed him for €4m, in my eyes he was probably ready then for our first-team.”

United’s Enda Stevens, David McGoldrick and Callum Robinson, currently on loan at West Bromwich Albion, are all at Kenny’s disposal as he plans for the crucial game against Slovakia; with the winner set to face either Northern Ireland or Bosnia and Herzegovina for the right to take part in next summer’s tournament.

Kenny, who also reserved special praise for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matt Doherty, said: “Their players (United and Wolves) are never afraid to express themselves in any area of the park. They are comfortable in possession and not carrying anyone when trying to get the ball back.”