For the past two months, the Irish soccer community have been ranting and raving about the rising star that is Evan Ferguson.
Ferguson has been in stunning form for Brighton & Hove Albion, and he has left many of us salivating at the prospect of the big man lining out in the green of the Republic of Ireland.
Ferguson was handed his international debut against Norway. Although he was only on the pitch for no more than 5 minutes, he may now play a much more significant role for Stephen Kenny’s side.
Speaking on Football Saturday, Dan McDonnell of the Irish Independent spoke about the possibility of Ferguson playing in the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming friendly against Latvia.
“He will 100% play the Latvia game,” said McDonnell. “The prospect of selling tickets for that game might have been tricky. I think you will see Evan Ferguson branding surrounding that game. It will be his first start for Ireland.”
“Sometimes I play devil’s advocate here when discussing the France game. They [Republic of Ireland] might want to approach that game in a certain way, with an emphasis on counter-attacking. If Evan Ferguson keeps on doing what he is doing, it is hard not to pick him.”
“Bringing him in for the November matches was a good thing to do. I think it was the expectation that he would go on loan in January and tear it up, but now he is doing that with Brighton. That prospect is obviously gone.”
Journalist and broadcaster Johnny Ward chimed in to chat about the ticketing situation within the Republic of Ireland.
“I was on WhatsApp, and someone said the tickets for the Latvia and France game have gone on sale,” said Ward. I jumped up for the first time in years to get them.”
“I know they will sell out because you can debate how good we are and where we are going. There is definitely a buzz around Ireland.”
McDonnell then added his insights to the favourable ticketing situation.
“Well, with the France game, that was always going to be the case. The World Cup runners-up and Mbappé are coming to town. The last couple of years have definitely been positive.”
Football on Off The Ball brought to you by Sky. All the football you love in one place across Sky Sports, BT Sport & Premier Sports.
