Huge blow for Ireland as Evan Ferguson ruled out of France and Netherlands matches

Evan Ferguson has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and Netherlands this week.

The Brighton and Hove Albion forward sustained a knee injury in the 3-0 win over Newcastle United on Saturday.

Ferguson reported for international duty on Sunday but after assessment from the Ireland medical team, he has been ruled out of both fixtures.

The rest of the squad will travel to Paris later today.

Ferguson sustained the injury in the second half of the 3-0 win at the Amex on Saturday evening, before he was substituted, having scored the first hat-trick of his professional career.

Adam Idah (Norwich City), Will Keane (Preston North End), Aaron Connolly (Hull City) and Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town) are the other forward options in Kenny's squad for Thursday's game against the beaten World Cup finalists.

Watch France v Republic of Ireland in Euro 2024 qualifying on Thursday from 7pm live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app or listen to live commentary on 2fm's Game On