EVAN OUT BUT HE'S OURS

Teen marksman misses Ireland games but not switching nation

- SEAN MURPHY

TEENAGE prodigy Evan Ferguson's withdrawal from Ireland's two crucial Euro 24 qualifiers does not signal a switch of allegiance.

The 18-year-old Brighton star, who scored his first senior hat-trick in the Premier League last weekend, had been eligible to play for England.

Ferguson, who is from Bettystown, Co Meath, has an English mother and it was claimed he could yet turn out for the Three Lions.

But it was confirmed yesterday he has now played the requisite number of games for the Boys in Green.

Recent FIFA rule changes were clarified yesterday, meaning Evan's cap against France in last March's Euro 2024 qualifier in Dublin was his fourth appearance and meant he was no longer eligible to switch.