High-flying Evan Ferguson eager for Israel showdown

Republic of Ireland under-21 international Evan Ferguson believes that his side's European Championship play-off against Israel has fallen at just the right time with the Irish squad at full strength and bang in form.

Victory over the two legs will send Ireland to the U21 Euros finals for the first time. The tournament will be held in Romania and Georgia next summer.

Manager Jim Crawford has been able to name a strong squad for the crucial tie with the likes of Aaron Connolly and Festy Ebosele among those included in the squad.

Ferguson in particular is a player who is enjoying a purple patch as he impresses with Brighton’s Premier League 2 side as well making a scoring appearance in the Carabao Cup.

The 17-year-old comes into the Irish camp full of confidence and is seeing that reflected in his team-mates.

"I feel like everyone in a good place at the minute," he said. "I think everyone’s been playing with their clubs so everyone is sharp coming into the camp.

"We’ve a good chance of coming into the game and getting a win so we’ll do our best.

"I’ve been doing well. I went back in and I’ve been training with the first team and played some games with the U23s and played in the Carabou Cup so I’m feeling sharp and I feel good.

"We’ll see what happens during training. Obviously it’s hard competition out there, everybody’s at it every day and the other boys are good players.

"We’ll have training this week and see what happens.

"I think it would just be a proud moment for us if we do it. Obviously it’s going to be hard but we’ve given ourselves a good chance and it will be well worth it if we do."

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