Whilst it wasn’t quite up there with Michael Owen’s career defining moment in the 1998 World Cup against Argentina, Evan Ferguson’s goal for Ireland last night was a huge statement to Graham Potter, to Brighton and to other clubs who might be interested in acquiring his services this summer that he is most definitely ‘back’ on song.
With his first goal this year, West Ham’s loanee helped Ireland come from behind to defeat Bulgaria 2-1 for the second time in four days and maintain his countries’ UEFA Nations League second-tier status. Having been handed a start, Ferguson scored in the 65th minute, dispelling any question marks over his match fitness.
Probably if the young striker had more recent game time or more form, he’d have backed himself to run further with the ball and take on the Bulgarian goal keeper. Dropping deep to get possession, Ferguson exchanged a nifty one-two with the impressive Finn Azaz before lashing the ball into the roof of the goal taking an early shot from the edge of the ‘box.
If he needed it, Graham Potter got a timely reminder of the quality of goalscorer who he has sitting languishing on the West Ham bench. Ferguson will return to East London in great shape, according to his assistant manager John O’Shea who spoke after the game to rte.ie:”
“The most important thing is that we have a healthy Evan Ferguson, a fitter Evan Ferguson each camp that goes by, and hopefully that will be the case. West Ham know him, the manager knows him very well, so hopefully they’re getting a much fitter and happier Evan Ferguson in that sense going back with minutes in the tank and a goal as well.”
Rte reported his selection to start was: “An educated risk” was how assistant head coach John O’Shea described the decision to go with Ferguson from the start despite having little club form to justify the decision in recent months.’
Maybe now it is time for Graham Potter to get on board and back the 20 year-old in the same way.
