Evan Ferguson scored his first competitive goal since March and threw his national team a lifeline as he impressed in Dublin.
The [Albion](https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/albion/) striker currently on loan to Roma scored the first goal as the Republic of Ireland came from two down to draw 2-2 with Hungary.
A generally impressive performance built on his positive start to life in Italy, where he has helped Roma open the Serie A season with two wins.
Seagulls head coach Fabian Hurzeler has insisted the door will remain open to a revitalised Ferguson after his season out on loan and the early signs are good.
He looked sharp leading the attack for his national team as they recovered from a woeful first half to claim a World Cup qualifying point at the Aviva Stadium.
Ferguson got his side back in the game early in the second period with a close-range goal from a free-kick which he had forced.
As the ball bounced around the six-yard box, he controlled and improvised a right-foot shot on the stretch which bounced gently home.
That moment changed the game and Adam Idah went on to grab a late equaliser.
As a result, the post-match focus was all on Idah, who spoke of mixed feelings at a goal but two dropped points.
But the Irish Sun said of Ferguson: “Always a threat - he won the free kick that led to his goal - as he led the line superbly. With a striker as good as Ferguson, Ireland should always have a chance.”
Ferguson scored several goals in pre-season but had not netted in competitive action since a UEFA Nations League game against Bulgaria on March 23.
The 20-year-old already has six goals for his country.