Ireland defender John Egan says he is in a good place as he returns from injury

John Egan says his focus is coming back from a long-term injury as his contract comes to an end with Sheffield United.

Egan has been ruled out since October with a serious achilles injury. He missed the majority of Sheffield United's season, which saw them relegated from the Premier League.

The Ireland defender said there is currently "no update" on his future with the club.

The centre-back admitted it was tough to watch from the sidelines as the club endured a difficult season.

However, he says he is now in a good place, and is looking forward to pre-season despite questions over his future.

"It was very hard. The worst thing about professional sport is getting an injury, especially a long-term one.

"It was hard to accept at the start, but once you have the road to rehab and the road to recovery out in front of you, you just have to trust the process and give your body time to heal, and do what is asked of you, and I feel like I have done that.

“When you’re out for a long time mentally, you have to be strong.

“I could draw on experience from when I was 20 and I broke my leg, so I’ve been down this road before.

“My role off the pitch this year has been big because I’ve been trying to be a positive influence around the place and see a different side of the game when you’re in the physio room for that long.

"I am in a good place now, my body feels good, and I am looking forward to pre-season."

Since Egan last played for Ireland, speculation has mounted over whom the next permanent manager will be since the departure of Stephen Kenny in November.

While John O'Shea has taken charge of the last two international camps, it remains unclear what the future may hold.

The Sheffield United captain says that while he has been