Form striker Evan Ferguson selected 'on merit' - Stephen Kenny

Stephen Kenny did not confirm that Evan Ferguson would start against Greece in Friday night’s Euro 2024 qualifier, however, he certainly suggested that the young Brighton striker was top of the list when it came to selecting a striker to lead the line in Athens.

Ferguson has enjoyed a remarkable season at club level, most notably in the second half of the Premier League campaign, and it coincided with his first start for his country in the March friendly international against Latvia.

First start soon led to first goal as Ferguson was on hand to help home the second of the night in Ireland’s 3-2 victory at the Aviva Stadium, and it then resulted in his first competitive start in the opening qualifier against France.

Ferguson’s form for both club and country, but particularly starring for a high-flying Brighton outfit in the top tier of English football, has generated more than a plethora of column inches in relation to the potential of the player coupled with the fact that he has attracted the interest of some of the biggest clubs in European football.

And now in the build-up to Ireland latest Euro 2024 qualifier, the conversation around the attacking options is not about whether Ferguson will start, but rather who will partner him up front.

Naturally, the young striker was the topic of conversation of the pre-match press conference at the OPAP Arena, where the manager was asked is he was getting swept up in Ferguson mania.

"No, not at all," said Kenny. "I think, at the moment, on recent form, he’s in the team on merit. He’s been our best forward for sure.

"To score a goal in his first game can only give him confidence. I don’t feel any pressure, no. He’s a brilliant addition for us. I’m delighted to have him in the team.

"Evan