FORMER CELTIC BOSS Neil Lennon has claimed that Ireland's Evan Ferguson could be as important to the Republic of Ireland national side as Gareth Bale was for Wales during his international career.
Bale helped Wales reach the European Championships in 2016 and 2020. He also captained and got the Welsh to last year's World Cup in 2022.
The Welsh superstar ended his international career with 41 goals in 111 appearances, cementing his place as one of the greatest footballers in Welsh history.
Ferguson scored his 8th goal of the season for Brighton this week and has continued to impresss people watching on from the sidelines.
At 18-years of age a lot of people in Irish footballing circles are very excited about Ferguson's growing reputation on the world stage.
Lennon believes that Ferguson could emulate the former Real Madrid and Welsh hero Bale, if he keeps his head down.
Ta' Qal , Malta - 20 November 2022; Evan Ferguson of Republic of Ireland, right, comes on as a substitute for team-mate Chiedozie Ogbene during the International Friendly match between Malta and Republic of Ireland at the Ta' Qali National Stadium in Attard, Malta. (Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Lennon speaking about Celtic vs Rangers Odds said:
"I’ve been so impressed with him, he has been brilliant. He’s got natural talent, he’s got good size and he has so many of the attributes that fit a modern day striker. Obviously he is playing in a team that are excelling at the minute in Brighton, he can only flourish.
"To make comparisons is folly, you want him to plough his own furrow. I’m delighted he has decided to play for Ireland because they have lost a couple of big players over the years. To be honest with you, every country like Ireland needs a goalscorer.
Ireland had Robbie Keane for years, Wales had Gareth Bale and it’ll be interesting to see how they’ll fare without him - a player that can win games on his own.
"You’ve got to leave players like Evan to it and let him develop into a top class player. He is showing all of those signs so far."
Brighton play Tottenham Hotspur at 3pm this Saturday.
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