It was an afternoon to forget for Sheffield United's Irish defence duo as the Blades lost 3-0 to Newcastle at St. James' Park.
Hoping to continue their unlikely push towards Champions League football, Sheffield United continued with the tried and tested at the back, including Ireland stars John Egan and Enda Stevens.
But when Egan was shown a second yellow card for a jersey pull on Newcastle's Joelinton in the 50th minute, things went from bad to worse for Chris Wilder's side.
The ever-reliable Enda Stevens tried to intercept a cross from the left wing but the ball spilled through his legs into the path of Allan Saint-Maximin who gave the home side the lead.
Matt Ritchie made it two in the 69th minute before Joelinton made it three and a dream return to action for Steve Bruce's side who are nearly assured of their Premier League safety.
It is only the eighth league defeat of the season for Sheffield United who will travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Wednesday.
