They Evan Ferguson hype prior to his first Ireland start this evening was reaching peak levels, with one tweeter going as far as to mute the words Evan and Ferguson.
The Brighton striker's reputation has only increased after tonight's fixture against Latvia, as he scored his first international goal after just 17 minutes.
The celebratory tweets came in thick and fast, with some saying that it will be 'the first of many', while there were plenty of Man United fans urging him to be signed by the club.
Ireland's fast two goal start was wiped out after a 30 yard screamer and a deflected goal, but substitutes Mikey Johnston and Chiedozie Ogbene have since combined to make it 3-2.
The Insane Evan Ferguson Hype Train Continues At Full Speed
It begins ....#COYBIG #evanferguson #IRLLAT https://t.co/IKBqNOn25B
— Alan (@AlanTob00591199) March 22, 2023
Welcome to Evan! pic.twitter.com/0gJUzFAaBI
— Póg Mo Goal (@pogmogoal) March 22, 2023
🇮🇪| Evan Ferguson has scored on his first start for Ireland
His FIRST EVER goal for Ireland
Many more to come
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/PWmxJawqV2— IrishPropaganda🇮🇪⚽️ (@IrishPropaganda) March 22, 2023
Evan Ferguson leaving the Aviva after bagging 10 goals in the second half pic.twitter.com/UTiTLph4TM
— Jason Flynn🐢🇮🇪(🇶🇦) (@Flynnaldo_) March 22, 2023
Evan Ferguson to score anytime at 10/11 was easy money really wasn't it ?
— Seán Sheridan (@Seanyshero) March 22, 2023
People saying he is the next Wayne Rooney but he isn’t , He is Evan Ferguson. He is making his own name for himself 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/FkwBBNjQKH
— Matthew O' Connor (@_mattoconnor) March 22, 2023
READ HERE: Evan Ferguson Included On Prestigious List Among World's Top Young Players
And it's not only the Irish who have drooling over Ferguson.
He was also included in the prestigious NXGN wonderkid list, with Goal.com giving high praise to the 18-year-old:
"Brighton have been crying out for a consistent striker since their promotion to the Premier League, but early signs suggest that they might have found their man in Ferguson.
"The 18-year-old became the youngest player since 2009 to score in back-to-back Premier League matches earlier this season, with his strength and finishing ability allowing him to translate excellent youth-team performances to the senior level."
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi was also hyping up the youngster after his two goal FA Cup performance on Sunday.
"Already a full Republic of Ireland international, Ferguson rejected Liverpool when he decided to move to England, and Brighton are already reaping the rewards of being able to secure a top teenage talent."
"I’m working, and my staff are working, to improve him to become not only a number nine, not only a striker, but in terms of understanding the play, to receive the ball or to attack the space and not only one thing. To complete the player, to complete the guy.
"He is a very good guy and I think if you work with a clever guy it is nice because he understands immediately and he improves day by day."
SEE ALSO: Stephen Kenny Has Named An Exciting Ireland Team For Latvia Clash
