'You could see at aged 7 he was special': St Kevin's pride in Ireland striker Evan Ferguson

Evan Ferguson has been on the up for quite a while now but a recent hat-trick against Newcastle United underlined the Brighton forward's place as one of the Premier League's most exciting talents.

In a cruel twist of fate for Stephen Kenny, injury subsequently ruled Ferguson out of the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and the Netherlands.

Ferguson already looks like Ireland's most natural goalscorer since Robbie Keane, and at 18, the sky is the limit for the teenager.

Indeed, his recent form has prompted interest from the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.

However, Brighton will be reluctant to part with Ferguson for at least a few more seasons.

In a difficult spell for Irish football, Ferguson's form in England's top flight has given Irish supporters something to be excited about.

The feeling is no different at Dublin's St Kevin's Football Club, where Ferguson played his youth football before making his Bohemians debut at 14, and joining Brighton in 2021.

Executive director and social media officer at St Kevin's, Neil Fox, told BreakingNews.ie that Ferguson's Premier League breakthrough has been a "huge moment for the club".

"We've been lucky enough over the years to have some great players coming through the club; the likes of Liam Brady, Damien Duff, Ian Harte, and most recently Jeff Hendrick and Robbie Brady.

"Dara O'Shea is another and Evan Ferguson has tipped the scales. It's a huge moment for all the managers and coaches that have worked with Evan over the years. To see him come from a schoolboy player, to a senior international, and then scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle. You can't get better than that."

Delighted for the big man tonight well done Ev