Republic of Ireland have a crucial Nations’ League game over two legs against Bulgaria, for which they need striker Evan Ferguson fit and firing. But the loanee at [London Stadium](https://www.claretandhugh.info/bowens-unique-west-ham-captaincy-judo-throws-and-conversations/) has become a ‘conundrum’ Irish with his virtual lack of game time this year.
Just 90 minutes in five appearances for West Ham suggests he is being held back, and is hardly preparation for back-to back highly competitive winner-takes-all matches against tough European opposition, first away on Thursday and then the second leg at home in Dublin on Sunday night.
Ferguson has been the subject of considerable head-scratching from West Ham fans who are puzzled that he cannot get into a West Ham side playing without a striker- so the chance to see Ferguson appear for his national side in back to back games is appealing to see just how fit and prepared he is. If he plays.
[rte.ie](https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2025/0317/1502533-kelly-ferguson-a-conundrum-but-still-warrants-start/) suggest he will start, even without match-preparedness, which would be a huge risk for the Ireland team.
_“At the moment, Evan is a conundrum because if you feel Evan’s fit and he’s got enough game-time in his legs, he should start,”_ said Stephen Kelly, ex-Ireland full back who will be part of the RTÉ commentary team in Plovdiv on Thursday.
With my West Ham hat on, I am looking forward to seeing if Ferguson starts – refuting once and for all Graham Potter’s claim that the young striker still needs building up.
Normally, players rely on their club form to force international selection: In this case it may just be the other way around with Ferguson having a chance to prove to a ‘striker-starved West Ham fan base’ that he is raring to go and ready to lead the Claret and Blue line for the rest of the season.
Once and for all, we may find out whether Ferguson is fit to play for the Hammers – or not. Despite Potter or ‘sources’ in the club disagreeing. Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has a big call to make.