When Evan Ferguson took the pitch against Norway on Thursday evening he joined quite an exclusive list. The Dubliner became the fourth youngest debutant in Republic of Ireland history by coming on in the game, with only Jimmy Holmes, Robbie Keane, and Troy Parrott appearing for the team at senior level at a younger age.
It was quite the landmark for the young striker, who has only made five appearances for Brighton at senior level. Considering this, there was a sense of surprise to see his name included on the squad list for this international break.
However, it was likely a matter of Stephen Kenny getting ahead of the curve.
If all goes to plan, Ferguson will be part of the Ireland squad for the next 15 years. By bringing him in now, it will make his transition into the team much smoother a bit further down the line.
As it turns out, he has already been catching the eye of those in the Ireland setup.
Ireland players impressed with Evan Ferguson
Evan Ferguson has only spent a very limited amount of time on the training pitch with his new teammates, but they have been impressed with what they have seen.
Speaking after the Norway game, Callum Robinson said it was clear that the teenager had a huge future in the game.
It's his first camp, he's such a young lad. I asked him how old he was and he said '18', so he's got a bright future.
He's got to work hard at his club and keep working hard here, do well in front of the gaffer. He has obviously done well in front of the gaffer to get his opportunity, but he has fitted in well.
I think we've got a good group of lads here who will take on young players. As you've seen in the last two or three years, there has been so many young players that have come into the seniors. We have all welcomed them and they've been able to flourish in the first team. That's a credit to the senior players that we do that.
He's different, it's another weapon for us. I don't think we've got another striker like him.
I haven't seen much of him, we've only had two or three days and I see him the leagues now and again. It's tough, he's 18 so he's got a long way to go. There's no pressure, he's got to stay on his feet and there is stuff that he will probably need to work on to be that finished article.
It's nice to have him. The main thing for him at 18 in the senior squad is that it's achievement for him and his family.
14 November 2022; Evan Ferguson after a Republic of Ireland training session at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Throughout his young career, Ferguson has always had little issue to adapt to new and bigger demands. After moving to Brighton, he immediately made a huge impact in their U23 team. When brought into Jim Crawford's U21 squad, he quickly became a key member of the side.
It could take a bit longer for his skills to translate to senior football, but there is no doubting that he is on the right track.
Dara O'Shea is another member of the Ireland squad that has been impressed with his impact.
Evan is an excellent talent, he's a top guy too. He seems like his feet are firmly on the ground, which is massive.
I can imagine that he's going to have a long career and a good one at that. In training he's been really good and really buzzy.
You wouldn't really think he is the age he is, he has come in and made that sort of impact. That is positive.
Evan Ferguson will be in the matchday squad once again for the game against Malta on Sunday evening, where he will be hoping to add a second cap.
Hopefully this will just be the start of a long and successful international career.
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