Egan has Wembley in sight

After attending Wembley twice in the past year as a mere bystander, Corkman John Egan is two games away from becoming an active participant at English football’s biggest stage.

Southend United has been the defender’s temporary residence since February and, now that his departure from Sunderland has been confirmed, there’s added significance to the League Two play-off series that begins with Sunday’s semi-final against Burton Albion.

On the same weekend his former team-mates will most likely complete their great escape at the Stadium of Light against Swansea, the Sunderland trainee for the last four years will be charting a future of a different kind in the more humble setting of the Pirelli Stadium.