John Egan: Ireland's veterans not letting younger players take foot off the pedal

Egan said Ireland's defeat to Portugal in World Cup qualifying was a "turning point" for the team

John Egan: "It’s about setting day-to-day standards in training, not allowing anyone to take their foot off the pedal. Us older lads are hammering home to give your all every day." Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

He was being dubbed a teacher among the Ireland squad but John Egan soon found himself feeling like the pupil after returning from a two-year absence.

A month later the drama he experienced in Budapest was tantamount to being transported onto a Hollywood set.