Old pal Evan Ferguson an inspiration for U21 star Andy Moran

The whirlwind success of teen striking sensation Evan Ferguson is an inspiration to his peers, pals and playing partners, says stand-in Republic of Ireland Under-21 captain Andy Moran.

Until very recently, Moran had a front-row seat for the meteoric rise of his Brighton team-mate Ferguson as the 18-year-old forward franked his own form with a stunning hat-trick against Arsenal last weekend.

Moran, who joined blackburn Rovers on loan a fortnight ago, reckons the big Meathman's development is something his former Under-21s team-mates can lean into and use to as inspiration to further their own fledgling careers.

"Definitely, especially being at the same club as him, just seeing that pathway is there and no matter what age you are, you get the chance to play," Moran told RTÉ Sport.

With Joe Hodge absent this week, Under-21s boss Jim Crawford has handed 19-year-old Moran the captain's armband for the opening pair of Euro 2025 qualifiers starting against Turkey this evening and then the Faroe Islands on Tuesday.

The Knocklyon lad, dubbed the 'Irish Phil Foden' by one former Brighton coach, is a good bet to join Ferguson in the senior set-up someday soon.

"Obviously at international level as well, Evan is flying," Moran said. "So it's good to see the same thing really where if you're good enough, you're old enough, it's really inspiring for all us lads.

"Since he came to Brighton, he's improved so much, he's learned so much and you can see that all paying off now, so obviously it's good for us to all see."

Watch Republic of Ireland U-21 v Turkey U-21 in Euro 2025 Under-21 qualifying on Friday from 7pm on the RTÉ News channel and RTÉ Player

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