Evan Ferguson captured the imagination of Ireland fans this season and rightly so. The 18-year old is the biggest talent we have produced in this country in quite some time, putting in some incredibly displays in the Premier League despite his age.
However, he is not the only name Irish supporters should be watching closely at Brighton.
Andrew Moran hasn't quite broke into the first team at the Amex in the same manner as his compatriot just yet. However, he is incredibly highly rated at Brighton.
The midfielder has starred for the club at PL2 level, scoring ten goals and registering six assist in 19 appearances this season. Not only that, he also made his Premier League debut by coming on against Everton back in January.
The quality in the Brighton squad means that a first team breakthrough for the 19-year old will be difficult next season. However, there are no shortage of interested parties when it comes to taking him on loan.
Ireland starlet Andrew Moran linked with Championship loan move
Darren Witcoop of the Sunday Mirror is reporting that both Stoke City and Swansea City are interested in signing Andrew Moran loan next season.
Stoke City leading the Championship race to sign Brighton’s highly-rated teenage midfielder Andrew Moran on loan next season. Swansea have also been showing interest in the Irishman but Russell Martin’s imminent exit leaves Stoke frontrunners .#stokecity #scfc #swanseacity #scfc
— Darren Witcoop (@DarrenOWitcoop) May 25, 2023
Either of those would represent good moves for the player, who is now ready for his first prolonged exposure to senior football.
You'd imagine the list of interested clubs will only grow as we enter the off-season. He certainly has the potential to make an immediate impact.
Speaking to Balls earlier this year, former Brighton U18s coach Mark Beard said that Moran has the potential to go to the very top of the game.
He's my favourite player. I know I said Evan [Ferguson] - Evan is the biggest one I could see go on and reach superstardom. Andy Moran could be close to that as well.
I love him. I think he is my favourite player I have coached, simply because of the kid he is - he's lovely.
He came here by mistake as well! When we signed him, he came over with Leigh Kavanagh. Leigh Kavanagh came over for a trial, but the manager said 'please take a look at this kid, he's only little, but he's worth a go.' So he came over and I watched the game, and a lot of the other coaches were saying 'oh, he might be too small' - but I said 'no, he's got a bit about him'.
I saw him go through someone with a tackle and thought 'yeah, he'd do for me!'
Moran is set to play a key role for the Ireland U21 side in their upcoming Euro qualifying campaign, which kicks off with games against Turkey and San Marino in September.
Should he hit the ground running in the Championship, a senior call-up may not be all that far away.
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