Will Smallbone predicts Evan Ferguson's rise and rise will continue because he won't change with fame.
Still only 18, Ferguson reached another milestone against Latvia on Wednesday night when he scored his first senior international goal - making him Ireland's youngest scorer since Robbie Keane a quarter of a century ago.
It was the latest highlight in a breakthrough season for the Brighton striker who has so rapidly taken to life in the Premier League.
READ MORE: Evan Ferguson turns his attention to scoring against France after opening his Ireland account
Smallbone, his friend and former Ireland under-21 team-mate, wasn't surprised that Ferguson hit the net on his full debut at the Aviva Stadium.
"He was obviously going to score, wasn't he? He's in that kind of form at the minute and I'm buzzing for him, he's such a great lad," smiled Smallbone, who made his senior international debut in the 3-2 victory.
"He's had such a quick rise, but he's got such a level head.
"And I think as long as he keeps his feet on the ground, which I know he will because he's a good friend of mine...and it's very nice to share my debut with his first start out there.
"For me to get an assist and for him to get a goal, it probably couldn't have gone too much better for either of us."
Smallbone, who is 23, laughed when he was asked if it feels like Ferguson is five years younger than him.
"Not the way he plays anyway," he said. "Maybe off the pitch sometimes, but on the pitch, he's very mature, a very strong lad, he's got good intelligence in terms of where to be and positioning.
"The goals seem to come naturally to him and long may it continue for both Ireland and Brighton."
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