Greece manager Gus Poyet has called Evan Ferguson a 'special player' ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifier against Ireland.
The Uruguayan has become the latest name to praise the talented Irish forward in recent weeks. Poyet's kind words follow the likes of Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi, Ireland's Troy Parrott, and many others in praising the Bettystown natives talent.
It is assumed that Ferguson will start against the Greeks in Athens tonight and Poyet is ready for the challenge. Poyet, who was once the manager of Brighton, believes that Ferguson is in the right environment to flourish in the English game.
However, the former Chelsea boss knows that his defenders will have to be on their toes when they face Ireland and the red-hot Ferguson tonight.
"He is at the right club for sure, and I think it is a great step," said the Greece boss to the media on Thursday.
"I always say that when a player is able to perform at the level he has in the Premier League at his age, then he is a special player.
"Normally, when you are at a club, you see potential in certain players and you are thinking about putting him in.
"But you are always worried as a coach whether he is going to be able to deal with the power and the intensity, and he has been incredible.
"When Roberto De Zerbi is playing him week in, week out when he is fit, he has shown that he can do it.
"There will be a little bit of work for our defenders, and we will have to pay plenty of attention to him."
Ireland's game against Greece kicks off at 7.45pm.
Republic of Ireland Squad - Greece & Gibraltar:
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth)
Defenders: Matt Doherty (Atlético Madrid), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Nathan Collins (Wolverhampton Wanderers), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough), Liam Scales (Celtic)
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Jeff Hendrick (Reading), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jason Knight (Derby County), Jamie McGrath (Wigan Athletic), Jack Taylor (Peterborough United)
Forwards: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Michael Obafemi (Burnley), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Mikey Johnston (Vitória de Guimarães, on loan from Celtic)
UEFA EURO 2024 - Fixtures:
16/06 - Greece v Ireland, OPAP Arena, 7.45pm (21.45pm local time)
19/06 - Ireland v Gibraltar, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
