Ireland fans will love the Brighton owner’s description of Evan Ferguson

"He’s the real deal."

Ireland fans will love the Brighton owner's description of their young striker Evan Ferguson, as the Premier League star is set to start for his country next week. Tony Bloom has declared that Ferguson is "the real deal" and has been immensely impressed with his performances this season. The fact that the Bettystown native has adapted to the high standards of the Premier League so quickly, leaves the businessman in no doubt that he will succeed for club and country.

"It can be tough to go from nowhere to play in the Premier League. Evan has got the temperament, the personality to take it in his stride. He’s the real deal for Brighton and the real deal for the Republic of Ireland,’ Bloom told The Irish Daily Mail. "At his age, to take to Premier League football so well is superb.  As long as Brighton football club or the Ireland national team don't put too much pressure on him, he will be a key figure for many years to come.’

Naturally, so called bigger clubs are sniffing around the Irish ace, but Bloom isn’t interested in cashing in on his young prospect. "I can’t guarantee what will happen in the future but for the short term I have no doubt, the best place for Evan to be is at Brighton & Hove Albion. I believe he’ll be here for at least a few seasons to come. "That’ll be good for his career. Long term, the world is his oyster. Roberto De Zerbi has brought the best out of him. Everyone knows what a superb head coach he is. "For Evan, it’s a great place to be. He’s got a wise head on young shoulders, and good people around him." Related links:

• Three big calls as Ireland release squad to play France in World Cup qualifier
• Evan Ferguson linked with move that would make sense, the more you think about it
• "It’s been a meteoric rise"- Stephen Kenny praises Evan Ferguson ahead of France clash