FERGIE HAS WORLD AT HIS FEET

I JUST love Evan Ferguson.

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For me, he's not just a great young talent, he is a great fella. Just imagine how he felt last Thursday night, travelling back from Bulgaria after what was clearly a good night for Ireland.

It was a great win, and he played his part, winning his 19th cap.

But when you are Irish foot-ball's big hope and it has been a tough time for you at club level, it would have been hard for him not to have gotten the backing to start the game, and only come on in the 76th minute for Troy Parrott.

That's why his performance in the second leg in Dublin deserves an enormous amount of praise.

Getting the nod to start up front, supporting Parrott, it was a tough first half clearly for a young man whose confidence can't be at its peak right now.

Yet, he put a shift in during the first half when we found ourselves 1-0 down against the Bulgarians, and he found a way in the 63rd minute to come up with an absolutely brilliant goal.

He created and finished the move with great aplomb.

That's what winners do and, trust me, Evan Ferguson is a winner.

When people talk about his struggles at club level, get a grip.

Evan is 20 years of age.

If you listen to those who love to put the boot into him, you'd think this was a kid who was struggling.

I don't think so.

That goal against Bulgaria was his fifth international strike for Ireland in his 20th appearance.

When you have made 20 appearances and scored five goals six months before your 21st birthday, you are not just a good player, you are a great player.

People forget what massive pressure these young people are under. He has achieved so much in his career after leaving Bohemians and going to Brighton.

Does anyone think it's easy to play in the Premier League? How many Irish forwards can say they have conquered the English top flight?