Brighton wonderkid Evan Ferguson has been withdrawn from the latest Republic of Ireland squad through injury - and fans have made the same point.
Ferguson has established himself as one of world football's brightest talents after making his Seagulls debut last season at the age of just 17 during the 2021/22 season.
He scored six goals in 19 Premier League games last season, and netted his first senior hat-trick in an FA Cup quarter-final win over Grimsby.
On Saturday, he netted his first Premier League hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Newcastle, further underlining his credentials as future - and current - star of English football.The 18-year-old has six caps for the Republic of Ireland, scoring two goals. He was to be involved in the nation's international fixtures this month, but has pulled out of the squad due to a knee injury.
And fans have all made the same point surrounding the withdrawal.According to The Telegraph, Ferguson still qualifies to play for England through one of his parents, despite having already collected six caps for Ireland.
FIFA rules state that a player cannot switch teams after playing four competitive games for one nation. But Ferguson has only played three competitive qualifiers thus far.With upcoming European qualifiers against France and Netherlands on the agenda, Ferguson will not get a chance to reach four competitive fixtures during this international window.And fans have all said the same thing.
One fan wrote: "100% switching to England isn't he?"Another said: "Harry Kane replacement..."
A third added: "Evan Ferguson to England, here we go."
And another fan expressed their concern: "Should we ignore the fact that he needs one more game to be unable to switch allegiance? I'm sweating big time over here."
Fortunately for Ireland fans, however, they have little to worry about, with Ireland medical staff taking the decision to withdraw him from the squad.And Ferguson himself has no interest in changing international allegiance, telling Sky Sports (via Daily Mirror) in April: "I've seen a few saying, 'Oh, will he?' I can tell you now, it's a no.
"[If I switched] I wouldn't be allowed back [to Ireland by my father]!"
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