Nathan Collins has no issue with Evan Ferguson stealing the limelight and laughed: ‘He’s welcome to it’.
Teenager Ferguson has shot to stardom after a breakthrough Premier League season to savour with Brighton.
And he is already making waves with Ireland having scored on his first start in March’s friendly win over Latvia.
Ferguson, 18, also led the line in the narrow Euro qualifying defeat to France and will start against Greece in Athens on Friday.
This time last year, Collins was the Ireland international in the spotlight after starring in Ireland’s four-game Nations League window.
And he scored what is now one of the iconic Irish goals in the draw with Ukraine in Poland after a sensational run from deep.
He the became Ireland's most expensive player of all time after sealing a €24 million move to Wolves from Burnley.
But the centre-back, 22, is more than happy to see the torch being passed and another team-mate grabbing all the headlines.
At Ireland’s training camp in Turkey today, Collins said: “He can have it honestly, he can take it!
“I think he’s handling it well. There are a few players who had that experience so he knows he can come to us.
“He’s a humble lad and won’t get drawn away from that. He’s not massive on social media, which is a good thing. It’s no problem for him, he’ll be alright.”
Both Collins and Ferguson’s fathers were professional footballers. David Collins joined Liverpool and later Oxford before returning to play with Shelbourne and Athlone.
And Barry Ferguson was at Coventry City before carving out a solid League of Irelsnd career with Longford, Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers and Sporting Fingal.
And Collins reckons their experiences in the game have helped to keep himself and Evan grounded.
“It’s good for both of us that we’ve been introduced to the game so early, that we have experienced so much so far,” said Collins.
“My dad would kill me if I got carried away. He would probably pull me away from football, to be fair.
“Evan looks the same, he’s humble as anything, doesn’t try to show off. That’s crucial to keep getting better as a player. You need that humility to want to keep getting better.
“As much as his football ability is unbelievable, he’s a good lad around the place, is good craic and has banter with everyone.
“Secondly, his football ability really is ridiculous. His hold up play, touch, finishing, everything. He has an all round game and it is really exciting to play with him.”
Collins has been tasked with marking Ferguson in some of Ireland’s training sessions in Antalya this week.
And he added: “He’s an awkward player to play against. You have to really use your brain against him.”
“It’s exciting to watch him play, exciting to see him improve, even on telly you want to see him do well, to score goals. He’s an exciting player.”
READ NEXT:
Rhasidat Adeleke wins gold medal at NCAA Championships as she breaks record again
Fans baffled as Munster hurling final broadcast in Irish on RTE for sky customers
Inside Man City's Champions League celebrations as Jack Grealish takes centre stage
It's a long way from Clare to here: Marty Morrissey on life in the commentary box
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
