Andrew Moran has described Brighton teammate Evan Ferguson as a “freak” and an inspiration.
The talented Ireland Under-21 midfielder would love to follow in his pal’s footsteps by securing regular first-team football at club level.
Moran made his first-team debut ahead of Ferguson - by just over 10 minutes!
READ MORE: Evan Ferguson to make first Ireland start against Latvia
The pair came off the bench in a League Cup win over Cardiff in August 2021, with Moran getting the call ahead of the striker.
“I think I came on at 70 minutes and Evan came on a bit after, 80 minutes I think. I beat him to it,” he said with a smile.
“He was a year younger than me but we won’t mention that!”
As for 18-year-old Ferguson’s sensational progress this season, Moran said: “How quick it has happened is probably surprising, but everyone can see how talented he is.
“He’s a freak, such a good player. He’s so good and for his age is so physically able.
“I wouldn’t say it’s too surprising. I always knew he would be a joke.”
Asked if Ferguson was an inspiration to Brighton’s young hopefuls, Moran replied: “100 percent.
“I can’t even look at it that way, it’s mad. Looking at him I can’t imagine being older than him.
“Even at Brighton it’s the same thing - he is impressing in training and we have a manager there where he doesn’t really care about age, if you are good enough he will play you.
“It’s definitely inspiring.”
Moran featured in the last campaign for the 21s home and away against Luxembourg - but he is set for a bigger role this time around, starting with Sunday’s Turner’s Cross friendly against Iceland.
The former St Joseph’s Boys and Bray Wanderers youngster is ready to deliver on his potential now that he has enjoyed a growth spurt.
“I used to play as a right-back because I was a bit too small to be in the middle of the park, getting battered around,” he said.
“I was quite small but I think it helps you in a way, because it meant I had to do things differently. I had to learn how to hold off bigger players.
“Now I have developed a lot more, so I wouldn’t be too small now. I still have all the tricks I used to have that would keep me away. Now if I do get in duels I can hold my own.”
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