Evan Ferguson returning to top form after injury woes

Patience may not be a virtue 20-year-olds are famed for, but Evan Ferguson's phlegmatic approach to rehab from a troubling ankle injury bore fruit on Thursday night when he popped up to head home the only goal of the game as the Republic of Ireland defeated Finland on home soil.

Ferguson sustained the injury against Liverpool in late March, bringing about an early end to the Brighton striker's season.

Surgery followed and his Brighton return has yielded just one goal from limited opportunities this term.

However, there was a broad smile on the face of the Bettystown native after the 1-0 Nations League victory over the Finns at Aviva Stadium.

Evan Ferguson was delighted to head home the Ireland winner against Finland, but the Brighton striker admits that his recovery from injury proved more arduous than he had anticipated.