The next time Martin O’Neill visits Griffin Park to take a look at a recovered Alan Judge, he may well have another Irishman up for consideration too.
Brentford have announced the signing of 23-year-old Cork man John Egan on a three-year deal.
Egan, the son of six-time All-Ireland winning Kerry footballer John Egan, has joined the Championship club after being named in last season’s League One team of the year following a sensational campaign for Gillingham.
Egan, a former Republic of Ireland U21 international, was once on Sunderland’s books but failed to make a competitive appearance for the Black Cats.
After loan spells with Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, Bradford City and Southend, Egan signed for Gillingham in 2014 and appeared over 80 times for the Gills in the past two seasons.
The defender is seen as a solid acquisition for Brentford, who will have to pay compensation to Gillingham due to Egan’s age.
Welcome to @JohnEgan92 who joins on a three year deal after leaving @TheGillsFC https://t.co/xYbBzJmr3e pic.twitter.com/xGPfzpaggo
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) July 1, 2016
“John is someone we believe can come in and challenge for a place in the team,” Brentford managet Dean Smith told the club’s website.
“I watched him a lot when he was at Sunderland and when he went out on loan. He is a proper centre back and has a hunger to keep the ball out of the net. He is a good defender and a good footballer as well.
“He is also a leader and we want to keep adding leaders to the squad.”
