Republic of Ireland have suffered a major blow ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and Netherlands, with Evan Ferguson ruled out due to a knee injury. The Brighton and Hove Albion forward sustained the injury during the second half of Saturday's 3-1 Premier League win over Newcastle United, after scoring the first hat-trick of his professional career.
Ferguson reported for international duty on Sunday but, following assessment by the Ireland medical team, he has been ruled out of both fixtures. The 18-year-old was substituted shortly after the injury occurred at the Amex Stadium.
Manager Stephen Kenny still has several forward options available, including Adam Idah (Norwich City), Will Keane (Preston North End), Aaron Connolly (Hull City) and Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town) for Thursday's game against the beaten World Cup finalists.
Following Ferguson's hat-trick, there had been discussion in UK media about a potential switch of allegiance due to his mother's English heritage. However, FIFA's current rules prevent any such change, as Ferguson has already made six appearances for Ireland at senior level. Updated in 2021, the rules stipulate that a player can only change allegiance if he has appeared in no more than three matches at 'A' international level, regardless of competition type.
On a positive note, defender John Egan trained with the team and has travelled to Paris ahead of Thursday's match, despite a doubt over his fitness. Andrew Omobamidele was called up as defensive cover after Egan picked up an injury at the weekend, but the manager remains hopeful the Sheffield United centre-back may feature in at least one of the two games.
France v Republic of Ireland in Euro 2024 qualifying will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 7pm on Thursday, with live updates on RTÉ.ie/Sport and commentary on 2fm's Game On.
