There's something about the start of a World Cup qualifying campaign that brings Irish football fans to life.
No matter the recent setbacks or scepticism that lingers around the national team and Irish football, when that first game rolls around, hope always seems to find a way back in.
A sell-out Aviva Stadium on the eve of our opening qualifier against Hungary suggests that optimism is once again in the air – and, naturally, a lot of that hope is being pinned on the shoulders of one man: Evan Ferguson.
With Troy Parrott unavailable – frustratingly after starting the season in excellent goalscoring form for AZ Alkmaar – attention turns to the 20-year-old striker who has begun his stint in the Serie A impressively.
Ferguson’s story has always had a sense of inevitability about it. Even among the usual hyperbole that surrounds emerging Irish talents, there was something different about him from the start.
His calmness, his maturity and the ability to influence games in the Premier League when he first burst on to the scene, only for untimely injuries putting a stop to any rhythm.
Now, he faces the task of delivering for Ireland in a game that already feels like the three points on the line are crucial.
More: Evan Ferguson plays key role in Roma victory
Ferguson’s recent loan move to Roma was met with raised eyebrows at first.
Not because of his ability – which is unquestionable – but because of the risk involved.
Young Irish players have historically found it tough to adapt to Serie A, a league that demands tactical discipline and physical robustness in equal measure.
Some of us were unsure if going out there would be the right move after his disappointing months as a West Ham player.
But if the opening two games are anything to go by, Evan is settling just fine. In fact, he looks reborn.
The goal hasn’t come yet, but it’s not for lack of trying. His general play has been outstanding. His hold-up play – often a thankless task – has been intelligent and selfless.
He’s found himself in the right areas too, arriving in the box at the right time, anticipating the cut-backs and low crosses like all good centre-forwards do.
It’s just that the final delivery hasn’t always matched the run. But that will come.
These are just teething problems, not red flags. And if the murmurs from Roma’s fanbase are anything to go by, they’re already smitten with what he brings to the side.
Confidence is everything for a striker. It's a position so reliant on rhythm and belief that even a simple change of environment can kickstart a new version of yourself.
Ferguson seems to be embracing that. The early signs are that he’s fit, sharp, and enjoying his football again.
And when he’s enjoying it, Ireland can benefit.
Tomorrow night, we’ll need that enjoyment to translate into a performance.
Hungary aren’t pushovers. Quite the opposite, in fact. They arrive with a good side, packed with players operating at a high level – including two from Liverpool and several regulars in the Bundesliga.
This is a side craving World Cup qualification after millions of government investment.
For Ireland to come out of the Aviva with all three points, Ferguson’s role will be crucial.
He doesn’t need to score – though we wouldn’t say no – but what he does need to do is occupy defenders, bring others into play, and take the half chance when it comes.
There may not be many of them, so when they arrive, hopefully they count.
Last time out: Ireland 2-1 Hungary
Working under Gian Piero Gasperini in Rome this season might end up being the best decision of his career.
The Italian manager has a superb track record of nurturing young forwards and helping them develop the qualities needed to thrive in Europe’s toughest leagues.
Under his guidance, Ferguson is learning new aspects of the game – not just how to score, but how to lead a line, how to stretch a back three, how to read the spaces between defenders.
In time, Ireland will reap the rewards of that education. But tomorrow night, we need the present version of Ferguson – confident, hungry, and sharp – to help us take a step forward.
Hope is a fragile thing in Irish football. But in Ferguson’s recent performances, we have a player who gives us reason to believe.
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