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23rd March 2023
06:08pm GMT

An impressive 41,000 strong crowd attended Ireland's 3-2 victory over Latvia. (Credit: Getty Images)[/caption]
However, over 41,000 spectators crammed into the environs of Landsdowne Road despite the torrential downpours, not due to the boundless optimism gained from a last-gasp win over Armenia in September, but rather, the pre-announced presence of a certain 18-year-old attacker.
In the lead up to the fixture which served little purpose other than fulfilling pre-ordained broadcasting obligations, Stephen Kenny announced that Evan Ferguson would indeed be making his maiden international start.
Usually unwaveringly coy regarding team selection, the openness with which Kenny admitted to the former Bohs striker's presence in the starting XI just further emphasises the esteem to which the striker is held, in a move which was also surely influenced by the newly-rebranded Ireland Football marketing department.
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Even in the build up to the game, all eyes were fixed firmly on Evan Ferguson. (Credit: Getty Images)[/caption]
Evan Ferguson has been in superb form since coming into the Brighton starting XI. (Credit: Getty Images)[/caption]
Even as he skewed a number of long range efforts over the bar, his wastefulness was not met with the customary vexation of weathered Irish football fans, but with the rather unique offerings of support and encouragement as those in attendance attempted to will the ever-growing aura surrounding Ferguson to even loftier heights.
Prominent in the build up, a constant threat in behind, willing to run the channels and as ever a nuisance in the air, those who braved the conditions on a wet and wild Wednesday night were rewarded for the buoyant atmosphere they created, as Ferguson treated them to a full exhibition of his footballing attributes.
Not only did the Brighton youngster notch his first international goal by prodding home Michael Obafemi's pull back, but he also laid off a perfectly weighted ball out wide to Matt Doherty in the build up to Callum O'Dowda's sixth minute opener, thus capping off what was a Hollywood scripted full debut.
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Kenny praised the 18-year-old following his performance, praising his "natural instincts". (Credit: Getty Images)[/caption]
Aaron Connolly has not appeared for the Boys in Green in over a year. (Credit: Getty Images)[/caption]
But, in the intangible sense that only a football fan could truly understand, Evan Ferguson appears to be cut from a different cloth. Whether it be scoring against Arsenal, assisting against Liverpool, or sending his Brighton side to just their third ever FA Cup semi final, the young striker seems to continually rise to the occasion.
There is no occasion bigger than Monday night though, as the consecutive World Cup finalists roll into town with a star-studded ensemble headed by perhaps the biggest name of them all, Kylian Mbappé.
Should the 18-year-old take on a leading role in the slaying of Didier Deschamps' imperious French side, the expectation now placed upon Ferguson will morph yet again- only this time to a sort of incredulous deification.
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