Richard Dunne believes the future is bright for Ireland with Evan Ferguson set to spearhead the team for years to come.
Since Stephen Kenny became Ireland manager in 2020, he's placed a huge emphasis on promoting young players with the likes of Nathan Collins, Gavin Bazunu and Jason Knight all becoming first-team regulars during Kenny's reign.
Arguably the pick of the bunch has been 18-year-old Ferguson who has had a breakthrough season for Brighton scoring 10 goals in all competitions as the Seagulls secured European football for the first time in their history.
READ MORE: Stephen Kenny believes Caoimhin Kelleher will depart Liverpool this Summer
Dunne is a huge fan of Ferguson, who has drawn comparisons to Harry Kane given their similar styles of play, and believes he could be the man to take Ireland to the next level.
"Ireland have built a side over a few years which has left me, and other supporters, wondering where exactly we're going," Richard Dunne exclusively told Ladbrokes Fanzone, "There hasn't been anything at the end of what we're doing at the moment.
"Evan Ferguson can be the final piece of that puzzle; he needs more supply, he needs better players linking up with him, but for Ireland, he's the great hope. He's also still just 18 years old, though, so he's got a lot to learn and a long way to go. "
With Brighton expected to lose Moises Caicedo and Alexis MacAllister this Summer, it seems unlikely the club will allow Ferguson to leave the Amex anytime soon. That's not to say he doesn't have plenty of admirers, with Manchester United said to be keeping an eye on the young man from Bettystown.
Dunne expects Ferguson to be playing for Brighton next season and believes it is the best place for the teenager at this point in his career.
"I think that what he's done this season is just incredible; the way that Brighton have dealt with him, too, has been brilliant. They've given him games, taken him out at times, put him back in... it's been perfect for his development. The times he's had with the national side already will only improve him as a player and as a person.
"A lot of clubs will be trying to get him away from Brighton this summer, but I'd be very surprised if he moved. He's an intelligent boy, and I think he knows he's still got a lot to learn about the game.
"He's getting so many opportunities with Brighton, and of course, they'll be playing European football next season, so I imagine he's more than happy where he is, for now."
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