Forward-thinking Evan Ferguson learning from Haaland homework

The Ireland and Brighton striker has been studying the record-breaking Man City superstar.

FERGIE TIME: Ireland international Evan Ferguson with pupils Cillian Walsh and Roisin O'Reilly from Scoil Chiaráin during the launch of Football for All - Futsal in the Yard programme. Pictre: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

When the nation’s great white hope is of a fair-haired, physically-imposing striker fast-tracked through the age-groups, comparisons with the standard bearer is inevitable.

Only time will tell whether Evan Ferguson to Ireland becomes as critical as Erling Haaland’s contribution for Norway but the youngster is willing to learn off the best.