Ferguson features as Republic 21s open Euros with a win

Talented young Meath footballer Evan Ferguson featured as a second-half substitute for the Republic of Ireland in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship this evening.

It was a big occasion for the young player who moved to Brighton from Bohemians and this marked his first appearance for the u-21 team.

This was the first game in the qualification campaign with a 2-0 win achieved over Bosnia & Herzegovina in Zenica.

Second half goals from Tyreik Wright and Conor Coventry gave Jim Crawford’s team the win in Bosnia in what was a tough opener for the Boys in Green.

Speaking after the game Manager Jim Crawford said:

"It's a great feeling to get the win. It was a very impressive performance from everyone who played.

"We looked defensively sound and they can be proud of themselves.

"Overall it's a great start but that's all it is is a start and we start preparing for Luxembourg tomorrow."

Republic of Ireland - Brian Maher (Bray Wanderers); Andy Lyons (Bohemians), Oisin McEntee (Newcastle United), Jake O’Brien (Crystal Palace), Will Ferry (Crawley Town, on loan from Southampton), Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Gavin Kilkenny (Bournemouth), Ross Tierney (Bohemians), Louie Watson (Derby County), Tyreik Wright (Salford City, on loan from Aston Villa), Joshua ‘JJ’ Kayode (Rotherham United).

Subs - Conor Noss (Borussia Möchengladbach) for Watson 80 mins, Evan Ferguson (Brighton & Hove Albion) for Kayode and Lee O’Connor (Celtic) for Ferry both 83 mins, Ryan Johansson (Fortuna Sittard, on loan from Sevilla) for Coventry 88m.

NEXT UP

Tuesday 7th September - Luxembourg v Republic of Ireland, Stade Jos Nosbaum, Dudelange, 3pm