Sheffield United defender John Egan to captain Ireland against Bulgaria

Mick McCarthy has confirmed that Sheffield United defender John Egan will captain the Republic of Ireland in their friendly against Bulgaria this evening.

Egan has yet to appear under McCarthy in any of his five competitive games to date but will be handed the armband in what promises to be a much-changed team.

The 26-year-old will make just his fourth appearance for his country, having debuted in the 1-0 friendly defeat to Iceland in March 2017.

McCarthy has also confirmed that Conor Hourihane will deputise for Enda Stevens at right back after starting each of the last five games in midfield.

Stevens is set to miss next month’s trip to Georgia after picking up a yellow card suspension in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland last week.

There may also be debuts for Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers and Shamrock Rovers playmaker Jack Byrne over the 90 minutes.