Andrew Moran says Evan Ferguson is inspiring a generation of young Irish players.

Moran, the Albion midfielder currently on loan to Blackburn Rovers, will captain the Republic of Ireland’s under-21s as they launch their European Championship qualification campaign against Turkey in Cork tonight.

Ferguson is the talk of Irish football, even though injury has ruled him out of forthcoming Euro qualifiers with the senior squad.

Asked whether the frontman was an inspiration to him and his team-mates, 19-year-old Moran said: “Definitely, especially being at the same club as him, just seeing that pathway is there and no matter what age you are, you get the chance to play.

“Obviously at international level as well, he’s flying, so it’s good to see the same thing really where if you’re good enough, you’re old enough, so it’s really inspiring for all us lads.

“Since he came to Brighton, he’s improved so much.

“He has learned so much and you can see that all paying off now, so obviously it’s good for us to all see.”

Albion goalkeeper Killian Cahill is also in the Republic's under-21 squad while striker Mark O'Mahony is with the under-19s.