Who Are the Top Five Best Irish Sheffield United Players in the 21st Century? | OneFootball

There’s always been something about Irish football players that clicks with Sheffield United. Maybe it’s the love of hard graft, maybe it’s the underdog spirit.

Whatever it is, there’s been a large number of Irish players who’ve rocked up at Bramall Lane over the years and instantly felt at home.

And for those Irish supporters that like to keep an eye on Irish talent in leagues such as the Championship, following the game has never been easier. There are plenty of ways to stay informed through the latest new betting sites which provide key statistics as well as trendy betting markets.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the top five Irish Blades of the 21st century. These players didn’t just play for United, but they left their stamp on the club in some way, shape or form.

Top Five Irish Sheffield United Players in the 21st Century

David McGoldrick

Sheffield United’s English-born Irish striker David McGoldrick celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge in London on November 7, 2020. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / POOL / AFP)

Though born in England, McGoldrick’s international allegiance lies proudly with Ireland, and he produced some of the finest football of his career at Bramall Lane. The free signing of “Didzy” remains one of the greatest value for money signings in recent Championship history, and certainly one of the best signings Chris Wilder has made for the Blades.

When he was initially on trial with United, some sections of the fan base, and perhaps rightly so, were against it due to his fitness record at Ipswich Town. However, Unitedites saw how good he can be during a pre-season friendly against Inter Milan in the 2018/19 campaign. And he never really looked back from that performance.

His link-up play, intelligence, and selfless work ethic elevated the players around him. While his return of 30 goals and 12 assists in 136 competitive games doesn’t jump out on paper, his impact on games in United’s promotion-winning season in 18/19 was huge, and even in the 19/20 Premier League campaign. To this day, Blades fans still speak of him with deep affection.

John Egan

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 18: John Egan of Sheffield United applauds the fans after the team’s defeat in the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United at City Ground on August 18, 2023 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)

John Egan was a natural leader and a commanding presence at the back, and he was vital during United’s automatic promotion in the 2018/19 season and the outstanding 2019/20 Premier League season that almost saw the Blades qualify for European football.

Egan’s ability to read the game, organise the defence, and contribute with steady distribution made him indispensable for several years in a back line that consisted of Chris Basham, Jack O’Connell, the late great George Baldock, and Enda Stevens.

Enda Stevens

As mentioned above, Stevens became a cornerstone of Chris Wilder’s innovative overlapping centre-back system. His defensive discipline combined with attacking intelligence made him one of the Championship’s best left-backs, and he transitioned seamlessly to the Premier League.

At his peak, he was among the top Irish full-backs anywhere in Europe. But unfortunately a series of injuries slowed him down and as a result, it also slowed the Blades down and they ultimately fell off a cliff beyond the covid pandemic and were relegated in the 2020/21.

What made McGoldrick, Egan and Stevens so good was the fact they were consistent parts of the XI between 2018-2020. During the prime years of United’s overlapping centre-back system, every player knew their role as well as their teammates’ strengths and weaknesses, which is why it was so effective.

Stephen Quinn

Stephen Quinn was a true fan favourite. He came through United’s academy, having been signed from St Patrick’s Athletic, and quickly captured the hearts of supporters with his tireless work rate. But he also had an eye for a pass and popped up with the occasional goal.

Quinn was one of the most consistent performers during a turbulent period for the Blades.

Paddy Kenny

Paddy Kenny was one of the most reliable goalkeepers of his era and was a crucial figure during United’s Premier League push under Neil Warnock. For his stocky build, he could pull off some excellent reflex saves. Plus, his commanding of the box helped the Blades secure promotion in the 2005/06 campaign.

Kenny remains one of the most recognisable Irish names associated with United in modern times, and there are some supporters that argue Kenny remains the best goalkeeper the Blades have ever owned in the 21st century.

Could Tom Cannon Become the Next Irish Blade to Make His Mark?

Sheffield United striker Tom Cannon celebrates putting his team 1-0 up against Leicester City. (Image Credit: Sheffield United Football Club).

While the above players have already secured their places in recent Blades history, there’s another Irish-qualified forward hoping to follow in their path. Tom Cannon signed from Leicester City for reportedly £10 million in January 2025, and he endured a challenging start to life at Bramall Lane, netting just once last season. But has the penny finally dropped?

He recently bagged his first league goal of the season in United’s 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. He then followed that up with a strong display against Portsmouth, earning praise from Chris Wilder for his work rate and battling. That effort convinced Wilder to start him last Saturday against his former club Leicester, and Cannon repaid the faith almost instantly by scoring within minutes of kick-off with a composed finish in a crowded box as United went on to win 3-2.

Sheffield United spent a lot of money on the 22-year-old earlier this year, which looked like a really poor buy. But with 2025 coming to an end, the signs are looking a lot more promising for Tom Cannon as he hopes to fire the Blades up the league standings.