Evan Ferguson has ruled out the possibility of switching international allegiance to from Republic of Ireland, saying his father wouldn’t allow him home if he did.
The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in the after a breakout season for Brighton.
The teenager has scored six goals in the top flight this campaign and 10 in all competitions for the Seagulls, being linked with a string of bigger clubs as a result.
Ferguson has also won his first four caps for Republic of Ireland, scoring his first goal for the country in a 3-2 win over Latvia in a friendly in Dublin in March.
The impressive forward is technically still eligible to switch to play for England due to his English mother and thanks to FIFA’s eligibility rules, but he has made it clear that he will not be following the path of Declan Rice who turned out for Ireland before switching to the Three Lions.
‘Obviously, my Mam’s English, so that’s where it probably comes in,’ Ferguson told News. ‘I’ve seen a few saying “Oh, will he? Will he?” I can tell you now, it’s a no.’
On how his father Barry, a former professional player himself, might react, Ferguson said: ‘I wouldn’t be allowed back!’
Ferguson scored twice as Brighton beat Southampton 3-1 on Sunday and guaranteed themselves European football next season for the first time in the club’s history.
‘We’ve worked all season towards that and I think it’s a credit to us, what we do every day, and what we’ve achieved. Hopefully we’ll have a good European run this season,’ Ferguson said.
‘It’s a credit to the fans coming all the years, what they’ve been through through the different leagues. We’ve brought them up to Europe so I’m sure they’ll be as delighted as us.’
Ferguson is hoping to finish the season in style when the Seagulls host Manchester City on Wednesday before travelling to Aston Villa on the final day of the season on Sunday.
, .
, and .
