Irish media stunned by Evan Ferguson after ‘coming of age’ developments
West Ham loanee Evan Ferguson was on the scoresheet as the Republic of Ireland beat Bulgaria 2-1 on Sunday evening.
The Republic of Ireland retained their place in League B of the UEFA Nations League after a 4-2 victory on aggregate against their opponents.
Although Ferguson’s side went 1-0 down in the first half, the Irons striker levelled the scores before Adam Idah killed the game off with a winner in the 84th minute.
Ferguson in good form for the Republic of Ireland
It has not been the best of seasons for Ferguson in domestic football.
The striker suffered with injury issues in the first half of the season and as a result, made 13 appearances for Brighton before being loaned out to West Ham.
Since his arrival at The London Stadium, the 20-year-old has been slow to get going with no goals yet after five appearances for the Irons.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 5 | 0 | 0 |
Nevertheless, the international break came at a good time, as it provided an opportunity for Ferguson to get some more minutes under his belt and build his fitness.
After getting on the scoresheet, this certainly seems to be the case, and the Irish Mirror were full of praise, writing: “This was Evan Ferguson’s coming of age. He needed a night like this, a goal like this.”
Both Extra and the Irish Independent rated Ferguson’s performance an 8/10, with the latter describing his goal as “beautifully worked.”
Ferguson needs to have West Ham impact now
Although Graham Potter was limited in the business he could do in the winter transfer window, the manager, who has worked with Ferguson before, probably would’ve expected more from the striker.
The 20-year-old is on loan until the end of the season, but so far, has not shown many signs that would drive West Ham to extend this deal any longer.
Since Potter’s arrival in East London, he has lifted form enough to pull his side away from the Premier League relegation zone, and they now sit 17 points clear.
Nevertheless, the boss will be eager to finish the season in stronger form as he looks to get his side prepared for a new era starting in the summer.
Ferguson’s goal on international duty has proven that he has the quality to contribute up front, but he has to go back to The London Stadium and prove that he can produce the same levels in the Premier League.
Whatever the summer transfer window brings for both the player and the club, it’s in the 20-year-old’s interest to finish the season on a high.