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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Eamon Doggett

British newspaper includes two Ireland stars in 'Young English Premier League XI'

A British newspaper has included two young Irish stars in an XI of 'English players breaking through in the Premier League'.

The Daily Mail have made a list of some of the brightest English prospects playing in the top tier.

But to the bewilderment of Irish fans they have included two of our biggest talents in Evan Ferguson and Joe Hodge.

READ MORE: Waterford's Jim Goodwin sacked by Aberdeen after 6-0 drubbing at Hibs

They may have some grounds to include Wolves midfielder Hodge in the XI as the 2-year-old was born in Manchester.

But Hodge has represented Ireland throughout the underage levels and only recently confirmed his full commitment to the Boys in Green.

He told the Sunday Times: "I only want to play for Ireland.

"Hand on my heart. I don’t have a problem saying that I want to play for Ireland. I am clear on it."

The inclusion of 18-year-old Ferguson is more bizarre though as the Meath native and former Bohemians striker has already been capped twice by Stephen Kenny at senior level.

While eligible to play for the Three Lions through his English mother, Ferguson is undoubtedly a proud Irishman.

And the newspaper's justification for their inclusion of Ferguson is clutching at straws to say the least.

"Having grown up in Ireland and already won two caps for the national team, the likelihood of Evan Ferguson playing for England is perhaps minimal.

"However, FIFA regulations state players can still switch until they have made three appearances - and Ferguson, who qualifies for England through his mother - has burst onto the scene for Brighton since the World Cup.

"With the Seagulls known to lack a goalscorer, the 18-year-old has scored three Premier League goals and added two assists in just two starts and he looks one hell of a talent.

"Ferguson is yet another relative unknown to find their way into the Brighton first team, and Ireland will be desperate to tie him down in what would be a huge boost to their future prospects at international level."

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