Evan Ferguson makes incredible impact with huge goal haul at in-house Roma game
The Republic of Ireland international has moved to Roma on a season-long loan as he looks to get his career back on track after an underwhelming 18 months.
Previously touted as one of the hottest prospects in world football, a run of injuries and lack of playing time saw Ferguson's progress halted, and his parent club, Brighton and Hove Albion, have deemed him surplus to requirements this season.
But after an injury-free run and a full pre-season to work, the hope is that Ferguson can get back to his best. And the early signs are good with videos circulating of Ferguson looking sharp in training as he banged in four goals in training.
The 20-year-old Ireland striker admits it was hard to turn down the opportunity to join one of European football's giants after his season-long move was confirmed earlier this week.
"It's a big club and we want to finish as high as we can," said Ferguson, who has passed a medical. "When I came in, we were talking about Champions League targets and getting back up there, that's the expectation of this season."
"When you have a club like Roma, one of the biggest in Europe that are interested, it's hard to turn down – especially when you feel like they want you to come here, saying how good it could be for you and your career. For me it's a good opportunity.
"When I landed you could tell the culture straight away, how big the club is, from landing you can hear the fans, people and cameras and interviews.
"It's a big honour to come and play in front of people who want to see you do well. I can do a few different things but the main thing I want to do is score goals, prove myself and get back out there. I just want to get out there, play football and score goals."
Aged just 20, Ferguson has time on his side and already has 22 caps to his name with Ireland.
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Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
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Rovers couldn't have asked for a better chain of events over the bank holiday weekend, as they prepare for Thursday's European clash away to Ballkani in Kosovo. Shamrock Rovers Rory Gaffney celebrates scoring the second goal of the game with Lee Grace and Roberto Lopes (Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne) Second-placed Bohemians sabotaged their own hopes of forcing a title race by losing at the death to Drogheda United on Friday night. And that teed up this game, with Stephen Bradley and his players knowing full well how significant a win would be against a side that hasn't beaten them now in 10 meetings. 'In the second-half we dominated the game,' said Bradley. 'The spaces were there in the first-half but we just didn't see them clearly, but we did in the second half and we were ruthless. 'Rory deserves incredible credit. Last year he had a torrid time with injuries. Coming to pre-season he said 'let me prove that I'm ready to go again'. 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The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
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Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
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