Kenny: 'Natural goalscorer' Ferguson will benefit from senior squad exposure 

Kenny is without injured pair Adam Idah and Troy Parrott and the doubts over Will Keane’s participation stretch his forward options further, necessitating the promotion of the rookie.

FRESH FACES: Manager Stephen Kenny during a Republic of Ireland media conference at the FAI headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Stephen Kenny has fast-tracked 17-year-old Evan Ferguson into his Ireland squad as a back-up strategy for next year’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.

The gangly striker has already made his Premier League debut for Brighton and Hove Albion, as well as scoring in the Euro U21 playoff for his country, and will report on Monday for the double-friendly next week at home against Norway (Thursday) and away to Malta (Sunday).