Egan eager to build on Cup victory

SHEFFIELD United defender John Egan insists the Blades must build on their first victory of the season and defeat Newcastle United tonight.

Chris Wilder’s side edged out Bristol Rovers in their FA Cup third-round tie on Saturday but are still searching for a first league success of the campaign.

United arrive at Bramall Lane on the back of a 2-0 extra-time cup defeat at Arsenal, hoping to arrest a slump which has seen them go seven matches without a win.

The Blades are rock-bottom having gone almost half the season without a win, yet the bookies are still tipping them to pick up their first league victory against the Magpies.

Egan pulled no punches when assessing his side’s form this season but believes the win at the Memorial Stadium must act as a catalyst to kickstart an unlikely bid for survival.

The former Sunderland defender said: “Everyone knows the situation we are in in the league.

“It has not been easy. It was always going to be a tough game at Bristol but we were delighted to come home with the win.

“It means a lot to get that win. The lads here care a lot, we went a long time without a win and any type of win is what we wanted.

“We got the win in the end and now we have to build on that.”

Sheffield United are 12 points adrift of safety, having only picked up draws against relegation rivals Brighton and Fulham so far.

However, Egan insists the team remain united and are “all pulling in the same direction” to recapture the form which led to them securing a surprise ninthplaced finish in their first season back in the top flight.

He added: “It has been a tough season, there is no getting away from that, but we are not halfway through yet.

“We have had tight games against the top teams and we know it is all about the fine margins and being ruthless in both boxes.

“The players, management, the staff, we are all pulling in the same direction.

“Football is full of ups and downs and you have to deal with it.

“This season has not been great but you can do one of two things – give up and throw the towel in or keep fighting and we want to keep fighting.”