Fitness boost for Ireland as Evan Ferguson and Séamus Coleman return for clubs

BACK IN THE SQUAD: Brighton and Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson warming up. Pic: Adam Davy/PA Wire.

Evan Ferguson and Séamus Coleman have handed Ireland a confidence-booster for Saturday week’s Uefa Nations League opener against England by returning to the Brighton and Hove Albion and Everton squads respectively.

Ferguson (19) has been named on the substitute’s bench for the Carabao Cup second round tie at Crawley Town.

Heimir Hallgrimsson unveils his first Ireland squad on Thursday for the double-header against England and then Greece three days later.

Ferguson last featured on March 31, after which he underwent surgery on his ankle. New Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler – who has overseen wins against Everton and Manchester United – preached caution when it came to the comeback of the £70m-rated marksman.

“Evan came back after a long injury, so we have to be very careful,” he said. “He has started training with the team and you can already see why he's here, because he has great abilities and great skills for a striker.”

Corkman Mark O’Mahony, who is expected to join Championship side Portsmouth on loan before Friday’s deadline, has already emerged from the substitute's bench after just nine minutes to replace the injured Matt O'Riley, making his debut having just signed from Celtic.

Also in Tuesday night’s series, Coleman returns from injury to captain Everton. Jake O’Brien will also play his first competitive minutes since joining the Toffees as he starts against Doncaster Rovers at Goodison Park.