Evan Ferguson and Ireland's New Football Era

Ireland's football landscape, especially in relation to attacking department has changed significantly for the better since Mick McCarthy left. The last squad contained six forwards including Premier League duo Callum Robinson and David McGoldrick as well Sheffield United, Luton Town, Stoke City,Preston North End & Tottenham Hotspur which represent strikers from top divisions down to the EFL. There was enough talent to accommodate two players of the ilk Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, but as 2019 wore on there were few who felt any sort thrill around a national side that had become largely goal shy.

A new story was supposed to start as youngsters such as Troy Parrott and Brighton's Aaron Connolly came through, albeit with some difficulties along the way for both. Lingering on the periphery under previous regimes, Parrott and Connolly offered an opportunity Ireland had been craving for years.

Nowadays with Heimir Hallgrimsson at the helm, things are very different. When McCarthy listed his last squad, Evan Ferguson was 15 and playing for Bohemians with an out of the blue that has shone a light. It is a point highlighted by his progression over the last five years and one of Irelands better options in that department.

Parrott has now 22, made a name for himself in the Netherlands with Excelsior before progressing to AZ Alkmaar permanently. Meanwhile, 23-year-old Adam Idah has landed a permanent move to Celtic off the back of an impressive loan spell in Scotland and hopes to become a first-team regular. And the good news is that they are approaching a season where both Hill and Isaac will make their debuts in european competitions, reflecting greater acceptance.

New additions this time around include new Swansea signing Sammie Szmodics along with Tom Cannon, who earned a maiden senior team call-up last month. Players performing at a better level within European football compared to 2019 represents an upgrade.

Evan Ferguson in particular, epitomises this new era for the Boys In Green. His transformation from a 15-year-old at Bohemians to one of Irish football's rising attacking prospects mirrors the bigger picture story across Ireland, HHINESPORTS. Ferguson is doing his part; slowly but surely there's an air of optimism returning about how Ireland might go about its business at international level.

It has given new life to the Irish attack and renewed interest, both on television screens of fans screaming at players not standing in obvious offside positions as well as pundits talking sports. Looking to the future, as these young players begin their progression into full international football and acclimatise themselves with life at the highest level in Europe, it will hopefully lead to a new era where Ireland play an attractive brand of competitive football from here on out.