Evan Ferguson scored on his Republic of Ireland debut

The 18-year-old marked his maiden senior international start with a goal as the Republic of Ireland warmed up for their Euro 2024 qualifier against France with a 3-2 friendly victory over Latvia.

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Ferguson has scored six goals in his last 13 games for Brighton and Hove Albion - and he has a connection to Colchester United.

The striker is the son of Barry Ferguson, who played for the U's in the 1999-2000 season.

Ferguson Snr, who was a product of the same Home Farm side that Colchester legend Mark Kinsella emerged from, made six appearances for the U's after being signed by Steve Whitton on loan from Coventry City in March, 2000.

The defender went on have loan spells at the likes of Hartlepool United and Northampton Town before returning to Ireland and playing for the likes of Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians.

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The 43-year-old was forced to retire in February 2009, due to a serious hip injury.

Ferguson jnr needed just 17 minutes to open his account, on an incident-packed night in Dublin.

It is the misfortune of every promising Ireland striker to be compared to the prodigious talent of the 17-year-old Robbie Keane, who went on to score 68 goals for his country in 146 appearances.

However, Ferguson did his chances of being involved in Monday night's clash with the World Cup runners-up little harm with an instinctive finish and an enterprising all-round display in the 73 minutes he was given.