Kenny confirms Ferguson to make first start against Latvia, Doherty defends former boss Conte

Evan Ferguson swelled his season’s goal haul with Brighton and Hove Albion to seven at the weekend.

MAIDEN START: Evan Ferguson during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Evan Ferguson, the Premier League’s latest teen sensation, will make his first Ireland start in Wednesday’s friendly against Latvia at the Aviva Stadium (7.45pm).

Stephen Kenny confirmed the largely expected news at his pre-match press conference for a game that will act as warm-up for the higher stakes of an opening Euro 2024 qualifier against France next Monday, also at home.