Evan in hell

Irish hitman Ferguson searching for form and goals in Paradise

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EVAN FERGUSON'S Christmas list will only have one word on it this year - goals.

The Republic of Ireland striker needs them now more than ever as his advent calendar counts down the days towards a January transfer window that could see his Roma loan cut short.

It's quite a thought for a man who seemed he could do no wrong when he first arrived in the Italian capital from Brighton over the summer.

The goals flowed in preseason and Ferguson was voted man of the match by fans after an opening-day win over Bologna that had the national press purring, lauding him as a “new idol of the Romanisti” who had “convinced everyone.”

Since then, the 21-year-old has struggled with form and injuries, faced fierce criticism, lost his place and found himself the subject of unwanted transfer speculation.