Evan Ferguson shut down talk of there ever being a chance that he was going to play international football for England rather than Ireland.
"Obviously, my Mam's English, so that's where it probably comes in," the 18-year-old told Sky Sports News.
"I've seen a few saying 'Oh, will he? Will he?' I can tell you now, it's a no."
Put to him that his father Barry would not have allowed it, Ferguson replied, "I wouldn't be allowed back!"
❌ England
✅ Republic of Ireland
Evan Ferguson says he wouldn’t be allowed back in the country by his dad if he switched allegiances to his mother’s nationality. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/JdGp9S6U1M— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 23, 2023
Ferguson has made four senior appearances for Ireland. He made his debut off the bench in last November's friendly defeat to Norway and scored his first goal for Stephen Kenny's side in the March victory against Latvia. The striker made his competitive bow in the 1-0 European Championships qualifier defeat to France.
Ferguson said that his rise to prominence in the Premier League has been "strange, just because it has happened so quickly".
"I was only getting in [the team around] New Year's - that's when the Arsenal game was, and when my little run started to go," he said.
"From New Year's now, it's just gone so quick, and you hear so much talk. My first international goal, it's just been a big blur.
"That was incredible. The home fans [at the Aviva] and family. When you know your family and friends are there, I don't think there was a much better feeling."
On Sunday, as Brighton beat Southampton 3-1, Ferguson scored his fifth and sixth Premier League goals of the season. In all, he has scored 10 goals for the club this season.
"Evan Ferguson’s improvement has been incredible," said Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi.
"He’s playing like an old player but he is only 18. There is a good dressing room with the mentality to help all our younger players."
After helping to seal European football for Brighton next season, Ferguson said: "We've worked all season towards that and I think it's a credit to us, what we do every day, and what we've achieved. Hopefully we'll have a good European run this season.
"It's a credit to the fans coming all the years, what they've been through through the different leagues. We've brought them up to Europe so I'm sure they'll be as delighted as us."
See Also: "It's Not Bad!" - Evan Ferguson Happy To Seal European Football With Brighton Brace
