Kenny hoping to unleash Ferguson after 'rapid rise'

Stephen Kenny is hoping Evan Ferguson will play "a significant part" in the Republic of Ireland's clashes against Latvia and France, but admitted Adam Idah may yet have to pull out of the squad due to a foot injury.

Ireland face the Latvians in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium next Wednesday before hosting the French in an incredibly tough opening Euro 2024 qualifier. The beaten World Cup finalists are first up in a group that also includes the Netherlands, Greece and Gibraltar.

It's a huge challenge for the Boys in Green, but 18-year-old Ferguson's remarkable impact at Brighton and Hove Albion over the last few months offers some hope they can trouble Didier Deschamps' aristocrats.

Ferguson's two appearances for Ireland to date have come off the bench. The clamour for him to start against France is growing, and while Kenny was coy on who will make the first XI, he did not hide his intention to use the forward in some capacity.

"Even from our last window he's made a rapid rise."

"You can't pick your team too early in these circumstances," the manager said after naming his 26-man squad on Thursday.

"Evan has a game on Sunday [Brighton play Grimsby Town in the FA Cup] and then it's a quick turnaround to Wednesday to the Latvia game. But we're hoping that he comes through Sunday and he can play a significant part in the window.

"We need starters and players to come on as well, particularly with the level of intensity of the French game. That's something we'll have to consider.

"Evan has had a rapid rise really. From briefly playing with Bohemians as a 14-year-old to playing regularly now in the Premier League. Even from our last window he's made a rapid rise.

"He's made it look easy at times. He always seems to make good decisions