John Egan still taking his mother's advice

“It’s a special feeling, playing for your country. Captaining it? Being such a proud Irishman myself it doesn’t get any better."

12 October 2021; Shane Duffy of Republic of Ireland, left, gives the captain's armband to team-mate John Egan on being substituted during the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Qatar at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

JOHN Egan may have had the honour of captaining the Republic of Ireland but he is still getting advice on his game from his mum, Mary.

In the continued absence of Seamus Coleman, Egan took the captain's armband against Azerbaijan and when Shane Duffy was replaced against Qatar —  and he was delighted his mother was in Dublin for the latter fixture.