Sheffield United's John Egan ready to answer Ireland's call and wear armband against Lithuania - despite Blades' hopes he may be rested

Egan, United’s vice-captain and a proud Irishman, may be handed the armband with a number of other senior players, including skipper Seamus Coleman, expected to miss the game against Lithuania at the Aviva Stadium.

Although many of a United persuasion would probably prefer him to be rested for the friendly, given United’s run-in and their punishing injury crisis in defence, Egan faced the media to preview the game and is expected to start at centre-half after an impressive performance against world No.1 side Belgium over the weekend.

Remembering Deano's remarkable lob for Blades v Liverpool, on this day in 1992

"I see myself as a leader both at club and international level, and I think I have grown into a leader here now the more games I’ve played,” Egan, who has previously worn the armband in Coleman’s absence, said.

“We have a lot of experienced lads in the team. Seamus Coleman is an unbelievable man and an unbelievable captain; he has got so much respect from everyone in the camp.

“So for us, looking at him, and the way he conducts himself, kind of gives a great example to the rest of the squad to carry yourself in a professional manner.

"And I think the likes of Seamus, [Shane] Duffy, [James] McClean … they’ve been around a long time in the squad and it’s great, for the younger players especially, to have these guys to look up to."

Where United and fellow promotion hopefuls finish in predicted Champ table

Egan was hailed by his manager Stephen Kenny for his display against Belgium, in a game that ended 2-2.

"It was a very pleasing performance," said Egan. "I think we can take a lot of confidence from it.

“They are obviously a top side, we went toe to toe with them and on another day we could have got the win. It was a very good performance and one we have to build on now.

"I felt I played well … and as a team we played really well. So it was an enjoyable game to be a part of, and it definitely didn’t feel like a friendly.”

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