Evan Ferguson: All you need to know about Ireland’s newest striker

Don't say it too loud, but Ireland might finally have a striker on their hands.

Evan Ferguson has gone full 'Michah Richards' and burst onto the scene, scoring two goals and grabbing an assist in the last week, but the best thing about him is that he is Irish. Ireland have been crying out for a new hope, a young prospect that will actually excite the fans, and at long last we may have one. Now it's incredibly early days; no one wants to glorify the teenager and put ridiculous pressure on the young man, but the fact that there is an Irishman finding the back of the net in the best league in the world is reason enough to be a little excited. So with all of that in mind, who exactly is the young goal-getter?

Where is Evan Ferguson from and how old is he?

The 18-year-old is from Bettystown in Co Meath, and unlike Jack Grealish or Declan Rice, he grew up in Ireland so there is no chance of England swooping in to claim him. His father Barry Ferguson was a professional footballer, playing for teams like Coventry and Shamrock Rovers, so we know he's had a good influence growing up. At just 14 years old, the now-Brighton star made his professional debut for Bohemians in a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in a friendly game that saw him become the club's youngest ever senior player.

Why should we be excited about Evan Ferguson?

Last week, the Bettystown ball-buster scored against Arsenal, making him both Brighton and Ireland's youngest ever goal scorer in the Premier League. Just days later, the young striker found the net yet again in a 4-1 win over Frank Lampard's Everton, and he then went on to get an assist in the game. This means that in just two matches, Ferguson has scored two goals and gotten one assist.

Will Evan Ferguson be a starter for Brighton this season?

After making his breakthrough on Saturday against Arsenal, it's often customary for managers to still keep their young prospects on the bench. Although this isn't a bad idea to keep the pressure off them, Ireland and Brighton fans of course want to see the youngster in action. His manager, Roberto Da Zerbi, certainly seems to think that he is ready to be a mainstay in the team.

“He is a very good player, with very important qualities. He is strong and he is ready to play in the first XI.

"I will decide but he gave me a good answer. I think he gave the answer that he is ready to play in the first XI. In the next games, he can start.” Related links:

• Evan Ferguson becomes youngest ever Irish scorer in Premier League with fine goal against Arsenal
• 17-year-old Evan Ferguson makes instant impact for Brighton in FA Cup win
• He's always been one of the standout players at the club: Evan Ferguson's rapid rise