John Egan didn't hide his delight after captaining Ireland on Thursday night.

The Sheffield United defender skippered the Irish side on the night as they ran out 3-1 winners over Bulgaria.

Speaking to Nathan Murphy after a proud night on a personal level, Egan was effusive.

"Proudest night ever, captaining my country," he said.

"But it's fantastic to get the win as well. So all round, a really good night.

Brilliant

"The gaffer's been brilliant since he's come in, for everyone, and to give me the armband tonight shows he's got faith in me and I was absolutely delighted.

"It's a huge honour and to carry that into the game and get the win is brilliant. I'm really over the moon with the win. It would have been a bit bittersweet if we drew or lost.

"So to get the win has made it a brilliant night all round and I'm delighted."

Egan got the nod tonight but in the competitive games he remains behind Shane Duffy and Richard Keogh in the pecking order.

"You have to be patient and bide your time," he reasoned.

"Personally, I'm going back to Sheffield United now. I've been playing well and obviously got promoted last year and playing in the Premier League this year.

"So my focus is going back there and doing as well for them. And when I come in, try and do as well here in training.

"If I'm selected, then I'll go out and I'll give 100%. And if not, then you put the frustration to one side and you'll back the lads 100%. We all want Ireland to qualify."

Nathan also chatted to Conor Hourihane, who was a suprise selection in an unfamiliar left-back role, as well as Burnley defender Kevin Long who got on the scoresheet.

"I'll play anywhere for [McCarthy] and I was delighted to be out there," said Hourihane of fulfilling full-back duties.

You can watch the full chats with Egan, Hourihane and Long above.