Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone says his Republic of Ireland teammate Evan Ferguson is a "shining light" for Irish football.
The 18-year-old Brighton striker has enjoyed an excellent breakthrough season on the south coast, scoring eight goals in all competitions after getting a regular spot in the team under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
He ended up being an important member of the Albion squad as they reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup and, more importantly, finished sixth in the Premier League, earning them a spot in the Europa League group stages next season.
Ferguson has also enjoyed senior international recognition, scoring on his full Ireland debut against Latvia in March and quickly marking himself out as one of the hottest properties in the game at the moment.
He is expected to start Ireland's upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Greece and Gibraltar alongside Southampton's Smallbone, who says he could see Ferguson's rapid rise to the top coming earlier than most.
"Yeah, I think a lot of people would say they've seen a lot of potential in Evan," he told the Irish Post.
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"He showed in those camps he was with us how good he is, and what he is showing now probably shocked people with how quickly he's risen to the top. But I wouldn't say it has been a surprise to me, given his quality.
"At the minute he is a shining light for Irish football with how well he's doing. If we can get as many players as possible up to that level, it will only benefit us."
Ireland take on Greece at the OPAP Arena next Friday, June 16 (7.45pm GMT kick-off) before facing Gibraltar at home in the Aviva Stadium on Monday, June 19 (7.45pm kick-off).
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