John Egan

John was born in Cork, Ireland, and joined Sunderland on a two-year scholarship in 2009.

He is a big, strong defender who is at ease with the physical side of the game and provides a powerful presence on the field.

He made 38 appearances during two years in the youth team and was appointed joint captain in his second season.

John also broke into the reserves while still a scholar before joining the development squad as a professional for the 2011-12 season.

Having been included in the senior squad for the first time for the trip to Manchester United in November 2011, John headed out on loan to Crystal Palace the following January, making two appearances for the Championship club.

He moved to Sheffield United on loan in March 2012, playing once.

Internationally, John is a regular for the Republic of Ireland at under-19 level and captained his country at the Under-19 European Championships in summer 2011.

He won the FAI’s Under-19 Player of the Year award for the 2011-12 season and added a senior debut at club level in Sunderland’s summer 2012 tour of South Korea.

John joined Npower League Two side Bradford City on a two-month loan deal in November 2012 but saw his stay cut short by a cruel injury.

He required an operation after sustaining a serious leg break while in action for the Yorkshire club.

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