Evan Ferguson will start for Ireland for the first time in tomorrow’s friendly clash with Latvia at Aviva Stadium.
The Brighton teen has been in sensational form this season and goes into this window on the back of an FA Cup brace against Grimsby on Sunday.
There has been a public clamour for the 18-year-old - who won his first caps in November - to start Monday’s big Euro 2024 opener against France.
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But Ferguson, 18, will first be tasked with leading the line against Latvia, who are ranked 133rd in the world.
Ireland boss Stephen Kenny said today: “His career is in its infancy, but he’s had a great start to his Premier League career.
“He’s scoring some goals in the Premier League, the FA Cup and League Cup.
“We’ve known about Evan for a few years now, coming through the system in Ireland with Bohemians and coming through the underage international teams.
“At 18 years of age, he's showing he’s ready to come into the team and he will make his first start tomorrow in the game.”
Adam Idah was ruled out of the Latvia game during the week but Kenny hasn’t given up hope that he could feature against France.
Norwich boss David Wagner felt Idah would be out for a few weeks with a foot injury but the striker wants to play.
Kenny said: “Everyone is fit in the squad bar Adam Idah who obviously joined up in the group but he won't be involved tomorrow night.
“But we're hopeful that he'll be involved later in the week and the game against France.”
Kenny added: “We've a number of players who have not been playing regularly or who have been playing intermittently.
“So tomorrow’s game is important for those players and for us to evaluate where they all are.
“And it’s a chance for them to make an impact themselves so they can put themselves in contention for selection against France next Monday - as starters or off the bench.
“It's an important game against Latvia and we want to utilise it, and maximise the opportunity for the players to give us every chance.”
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