Evan Ferguson is the golden boy of Irish football – the man tipped to be the Emerald Isle’s next Robbie Keane after emerging from the Brighton & Hove Albion academy.

After a breakout season with Brighton in 2022/23, Ferguson was linked with some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. Desperate to hold onto their prized possession, Brighton secured Ferguson’s long-term future with a new contract. Things have not gone to plan since then.

After netting an early season hat-trick against Newcastle United the goals that earned him that contract have mysteriously dried up.

Ferguson’s last goal came in Brighton’s 3-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in November. Since then, he has embarked on a frustrating 23-game goal drought for club and country.

His struggles have left many people wondering if the hype surrounding his emergence was justified or if his early promise was a mere mirage.

Ferguson’s talent is undeniable. However, it is worth remembering he’s still only a teenager trying to find his feet in the most demanding league in world football. He possesses all the tools to become a global superstar, and his journey to date has been nothing short of impressive.

Signed by Brighton in 2021, a few months after his 16th birthday, he spent two years honing his skills, knocking persistently on the door of the first team.

The 2022/23 season marked a turning point for the young Irishman. Under Graham Potter’s tutelage, Ferguson began making his mark at the senior level. His impact intensified under Roberto De Zerbi, who saw Ferguson as an integral part of his tactical vision.

Ferguson’s Struggles and Opportunities

An energetic and agile striker, Ferguson is not a one-trick pony. While his finishing is a thing of beauty, his willingness to drop deep and link up play makes him the well-rounded modern striker.

He’s already notched 16 goals in 65 games for Brighton and was close to cementing the first-choice number-nine spot under De Zerbi until his unfortunate goal drought.

Despite his youthful age, Ferguson has adapted reasonably well to the physical demands of the Premier League. His relentless goal-oriented approach keeps defences on their toes, adding a much-needed spark of dynamism to Brighton’s attack.

Ferguson’s rise to prominence at Brighton led many people to believe he could lead the Republic of Ireland to the 2026 World Cup, pressing the weight of the nation on his young shoulders.

Ireland are preparing to compete for a place in the tournament for the first time since 2002, although their path to the showpiece tournament is already littered with challenges.

Their lacklustre performances in the 2024 European Championship qualifiers left sports bettors and bookmakers alike unconvinced of their chances of reaching the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Irish betting sites are far from bullish on Ireland’s qualification hopes of featuring at the showpiece tournament, with their odds reflecting a team struggling to find their feet.

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Ireland’s permanent manager is unlikely to fill punters with confidence. However, a resurgence in Ferguson’s goalscoring form could be a game-changer.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Expectations

Despite his talent, his goal drought has tongues wagging and fans questioning his ability to lead Ireland to the 2026 World Cup. The most recent international break offered little solace.

Ferguson missed a penalty in a goalless draw against Belgium, and while he showed some fight in the narrow 1-0 defeat to Switzerland, there are still some concerns about his consistency.

If he can rediscover his scoring form and help Ireland land a couple of wins in the next international break, bookmakers may have to reconsider their stance on the Boys in Green’s World Cup hopes.

Ferguson has netted just three goals in 12 games for Ireland, but his enormous potential suggests those numbers could increase rapidly in the near future.

The World Cup qualifiers kick off in March next year, so Ferguson has plenty of time to develop his skills and prove he can handle the pressure of leading his nation on the biggest stage.

However, his immediate focus must be on rediscovering his scoring form for Brighton. They are still in contention to secure qualification for a place in the Europa League, sitting four places and six points away from sixth-placed Manchester United.

Having lost De Zerbi’s trust, Ferguson needs to step up on the run-in and prove he has what it takes to excel consistently in the Premier League.

The next few months will be defining for the young Irishman. His performances will not only determine his role for Ireland in the World Cup qualifiers but also his standing within Brighton’s ambitious project.