What defender John Egan said about Slavisa Jokanovic becoming new Sheffield United manager

United ended a period of uncertainty since the departure of former Blades boss Chris Wilder last week, when Serb Jokanović signed a three-year deal. He will begin officially on July 1, when his deal with Qatari side Al-Gharafa expires, but has already briefed United officials on his top targets for the next season.

And United defender Egan, away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, said: “It’s good that the club acted swiftly with the season finished.

Where Sheffield United are predicted to finish in the Championship, compared to Swansea, Nottingham Forest and West Brom (but not Derby County...)

“He [Jokanović] has got a great track record of getting out of the Championship, so I believe it’s a good appointment by the club.

“It only happened a few days ago so he hasn’t had a chance to work with the team yet. Hopefully it’s a good appointment for the club.”

United believe appointing Jokanović is their best chance of bouncing back to the Premier League at the first attempt, following last season’s relegation after two years at the top table of English football.

Sheffield United's John Egan refusing to give up on his World Cup dream despite Republic of Ireland's nightmare qualifying start

But Egan doesn’t believe playing at Championship level will have too much effect on his national team.

“I wouldn’t say it’s too important. Everyone wants to play in the Premier League up against the best players week in, week out,” he said.

“In an ideal world, everybody would be playing in the Premier League.

“The lads have shown that by playing in the Championship you can still make an impact at international level.”

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