REPUBLIC OF IRELAND rising star Evan Ferguson looked bemused as he shut down an interviewer’s questions about his commitment to Ireland.
The Meath teen — who agreed a new Brighton and Hove Albion contract until 2029 on Friday — was once again forced to distance himself from speculation that he may have switched allegiance and declared for England.
The 19-year-old’s mother, Sarah, was born in England, but Ferguson — who has scored three times in eight senior Irish appearances — has long been unequivocal about his desire to represent his country.
TalkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook asked: “There’s a lot of England fans who would love to see you pull on the white shirt. Is that ever going to happen? Was that ever going to happen?”
“No, no,” Ferguson said, shaking his head.
“I don’t think that would — that’s never going to happen, no. That’s not a question.”
Ladies and Gentlemen the winner of the stupid question of 2023 goes to …… TALKSPORT
— Rep of Ireland Player Tracker (@reptracker) November 10, 2023
He’s not even eligible for England anymore, do your research !!🤡pic.twitter.com/wby72vUpbL
Crook followed up: “And what’s the reason that you’re so committed to Ireland?”
“Because I’m Irish,” Ferguson responded incredulously. “There’s nothing else to say.
“I’ve been asked that question a few times, but no. I’m Irish.”
With a clip of the exchange viewed over one million times on X within the space of a few hours on Friday afternoon, Crook attempted to distance himself from criticism of his questions.
“Me asking Evan Ferguson, whose mum was born in England, if he was ever tempted to play for England has caused a bit of storm,” he wrote on X.
“It was a tongue in cheek question as has been a story in the press.
“He answered it brilliantly with a smile as he did every other question. Top guy.”
Sharing a clip of the full 10-minute interview later on Friday, Crook accepted that “I can see that asking an Irishman why he was committed to Ireland may be seen as disrespectful, was not the intention.”
Actually enjoy his commentary!
Funny how some guys don’t appear to have a positive bone in their bodies. Jim Belgin is a role model in more ways than one.
I like him as a pundit and commentator.
@purple rain: seriously?
always get a hard time but is def one of the most well informed pundits about players and you can see he actually does he research!
Disappointed with the amount of negativity that’s being casted over Jim here! In many ways he’s been a major part of the voice of Irish soccer over the last three decades. Can be blunt, honest and says it the way he sees it. And loves the occasional giggle! Hon the Jimbo.
Without doubt the most annoying commentator the world over …..EVER.. and thats including Trevor Welsh
@Steve McMahon: Christ no Trevor Walsh will go down in history as the worst . It’s a shame it didn’t work out for Jimbo, one of the good guys I think
@Johnny Bravo: ya maybe I was harsh.. maybe we’ll put both of them in the barrel and roll them down the hill
Remember him as a pretty elegant footballer, headed the ball to Dalglish to win the league. Nice story about Paisley. In another world he would have the Ireland manager & beglin his man on the field.
Ah Jim. Not the sharpest knife in the drawer but he’d make you smile all the same.
Top Player missed out on Euro ’88 and World Cup ’90 due to that horrendous tackle from Gary Stevens.