Ferguson the jewel in the crown of Brighton’s precious Irish Emeralds

Evan Ferguson extended his stay at Albion just 24 hours after Republic of Ireland U21 star Andrew Moran did likewise.

GOOD FOOTBALL COUNTRY: Evan Ferguson has committed his long-term future to Brighton by signing a contract that runs until 2028.

The news that Evan Ferguson has signed a new five-year contract at Brighton, days after his Ireland under-21 team-mate Andrew Moran did the same, comes as no surprise to those who have been following what is becoming a well-worn path from Ireland to England's south coast.

Once upon a time, a generation or two ago, it was Arsenal, Liverpool or Manchester United who were the clubs of choice for the best boys in Ireland hoping to make it big in England.