BRENTFORD DEFENDER JOHN Egan is hoping his move to the Championship can help him earn a call-up to Martin O’Neill’s Republic of Ireland squad.
The 23-year-old played under O’Neill at Sunderland and is looking to re-establish his relationship with the Derry native.
“I always got on well with Martin and was always in and around his plans, but I broke my leg in two places at the end of 2012, and by the time I had recovered 10 months later there had been two changes in manager and Gus Poyet was in charge,” Egan told GetWestLondon.
“I never interacted with Gus once when I got back fit, so I went out on loan to Southend, and it all started there for me really. I knew that summer that however well I done I would be moving on, but I always believed in my own ability, even back then.
“The last time I met Martin was at the PFA awards, I said ‘hello’ and had a good chat with him. With him being at Sunderland when I was there and now in the Irish set up, hopefully it will bode well for me one day.”
Egan is a new signing at Brentford, having signed for the Bees following an impressive season in League One with Gillingham.
The Corkman is hopeful of an Irish call, but wants to make an impact for his new club before stepping up to senior international football.
“Playing for Ireland is the goal of any Irishman growing up, and I’m no different, but I can’t be getting too carried away just yet,” Egan admitted.
“Hopefully things like that will follow if I do well at Brentford. The club is my bread and butter, and I need to focus on doing well here.
“I have to have a good pre-season first and foremost, and everything else will take care of itself. There’s always competition for places at this level, but everyone can drive each other on and make each other better.”
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