LAST UPDATE | 5 Sep 2023
INJURY HAS RULED Evan Ferguson out of the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers with France and the Netherlands.
In a huge blow for manager Stephen Kenny, the in-form Brighton striker has been unable to shake off a knee problem. There are no plans to call up a replacement for the France game, but somebody may get the nod for Sunday’s clash against the Dutch.
There has at least been a promising update on stand-in captain John Egan, who trained today before departing with the remainder of the squad for Paris having undergone scans on his knee and ankle following Sheffield United’s 2-2 draw with Everton at the weekend.
There has been no such joy with Ferguson, who appeared to be moving gingerly as he came off after scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle on Saturday, and the FAI confirmed his absence in a short statement.
“Ferguson reported for international duty on Sunday but after assessment from the Ireland medical team, Ferguson has been ruled out of both fixtures.”
The 18-year-old’s form this season has been extremely impressive coming off the bench in the opening fixture to find the net before adding to his tally with a treble at the weekend to make it four goals in as many games.
He became the first teenager to score a Premier League hat-trick since Michael Owen for Liverpool in 1998, leading to Match of the Day presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker hailing his continued development.
“I do see a hint of [Erling] Haaland about him. His stature and his movement and stuff like that and his youth as well.”
Ferguson has now scored 10 goals in 12 Premier League starts, and club boss Roberto De Zerbi likened his attributes to former Italy striker Christian Vieri, adding:
“His improvement is important for him, for us, for his career because he’s working to complete his qualities, not only score, because he can become big, big, big,” said the Italian coach.
“His qualities are enough to become a great player, one of the top scorers in Europe.
“He’s (born in) 2004. I don’t know how many young players like Evan they score these goals in their careers.”
