Gary Connaughton reporting from the Aviva Stadium
In June of each year, it is customary to see 18-year olds around the country sitting their Leaving Cert exams. Sixth year students usually have their noses buried in the books at this time of year, preparing for the end of secondary school and preparing for their next step in life.
What we are less used to seeing is watching someone of that age score goals for Ireland at a packed Aviva Stadium. Whereas many of his peers are worrying about their exams later this week, Evan Ferguson will be basking in the glory of his latest milestone after scoring his first competitive goal for the Republic of Ireland.
The Brighton striker scored the second of Ireland's three goals in the victory over Gibraltar this evening, capping off what has been a remarkable few months for him on a personal level.
Speaking to the media after the game, Ferguson said he is now looking forward to some much needed down time.
It is possible you will see me around Bettystown for a week, maybe two and then I will be gone.
Bit of time to just relax, that's what I want to do, just chill out...
I think they have been a mad six months, they have gone very quickly. Definitely I wouldn’t change it, it has been a good six months.
While he may be looking forward to his time off, the teenager hasn't exactly looked overwhelmed during his rise at both club and international level in recent months. He has certainly taken all of it in his stride, displaying a wisdom well beyond his years.
He had to bide his time tonight, with Ireland struggling to create few chances of note in the opening half against a stubborn Gibraltar defence. The home fans grew increasingly frustrated with the team's performance as the half went on, with the halftime interval being greeted with a smattering of boos from some sections of the ground.
Whereas some young players might have felt further pressure piled upon their shoulders at this point, Ferguson took it on in typical style.
You expect (the boos) from the fans, especially from the result the other day but I think the message was just stay patient and we’ll find the gaps, we did and we got the goals...
I don't think we felt any pressure. We all saw it and we all just tried to ignore it because some of it was very harsh.
I think that's all you can do. Just play your own game. The people that are talking can't play for you. So we have to go out and try to prove myself.
Ferguson's goal could be described as a somewhat symbolic moment. On the night he scored for the first time in a competitive game, the man that provided the assist was making his 100th appearance for Ireland.
James McClean has been a remarkable servant to his country over the last 11 years or so, with the occasion being marked with a nice moment with his family before the game. He would go on to show that he still has plenty to offer on the pitch itself, providing two assists in the win.
As someone who has only been in and around the squad since the end of last year, Ferguson admitted that the Derry man is someone he looks up to.
Growing up I used to watch him. He played most games for Ireland. Seeing him and playing alongside him tonight, he’s the one that provides the assists.
He’s a great guy who has done a lot for me since coming into the camp.
Ireland fans will no doubt be hoping to see Ferguson become a centurion himself in the years ahead.
He certainly isn't off to a bad start on his path to doing so.
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