Just 18 months ago, John Egan was a 31-year-old struggling for playing time on the bench at Burnley before making a January move to fellow Championship side Hull City. Today, the 33-year-old is an indispensable part of the Tigers’ surprise campaign back in the Premier League.
The turnaround is remarkable for a player who likely believed his top-flight days were behind him. In September 2023, while playing for Sheffield United against West Ham, Egan suffered a season-ending Achilles injury that required him to be carried off on a stretcher.
After being released by the Blades, Egan embarked on a quiet rebuilding process. A stint at Burnley offered little security, with the Clarets boss Scott Parker limiting him to just seven appearances as they chased promotion. Egan then switched to Hull City on an 18-month deal, seeking stability in a relegation battle.
His first full 90 minutes since the injury came against his former club Burnley in February, a 2-0 defeat. Despite the loss, he made 10 further appearances, helping Hull secure survival on goal difference on the final day of the season.
Under new manager Sergej Jakirovic, Egan became a cornerstone of Hull’s success the following campaign. He featured in 48 games as the club reached the play-offs and subsequently defeated Middlesbrough to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
Egan has carried this form into the current top-flight season. His performance in the opening day 2-0 victory over Manchester United was standout, featuring 18 clearances. He has since contributed to clean sheets against Coventry and Aston Villa, earned a point at Chelsea, and only narrowly lost to Newcastle.
His club resurrection has also revitalized his international prospects. Egan was recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad in October last year after a two-year absence. Although he had fallen down the pecking order behind talents like Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea, and Jake O’Brien under manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, his recent form has reignited interest.
Previously an automatic starter, Egan has featured as a substitute in crucial Nations League matches, including the play-off semi-final win over Hungary and the semi-final loss to the Czech Republic. He started the recent friendly draw against North Macedonia, earning his 38th cap.
With captain Collins injured, O’Brien restricted by limited playing time at Everton, and O’Shea deployed out of position at right-back for Ipswich Town, Egan has staked a strong claim for a central defensive role. The squad includes less experienced alternatives such as Liam Kitching, Jimmy Dunne, and James Abankwah.
Even if he does not start the upcoming Nations League opener against Kosovo, the congested fixture schedule—featuring games against Israel and Austria within 12 days—guarantees Egan will feature for his country. Given the adversity he has overcome to return to the Premier League and the national team, Egan is well-positioned to re-establish himself as a starter for both club and country.
I was skeptical about his comeback after that Achilles tear. But eighteen clearances against United? Hard to argue with those numbers now.
This is the ultimate underdog story. From stretchered off to wrecking Manchester United on the opening day—pure inspiration.