Men’s under-21s midfielder Jamie Mullins has said that despite Evan’s Ferguson’s success in the last few months, he’s exactly the same person off the pitch.
The two played together in Ireland, coming through the youth ranks with St Kevin’s in Dublin before moving across the city to Bohemians.
Evan has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, netting his first Premier League goal in December, before marking his first senior Ireland start with a goal in the 3-2 win over Latvia last week.
“He's adding things to his game all the time,” Mullins explained. “But he’s always been that goal-scorer and that number nine.
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“He’s come on physically and technically and he’s flying at the moment, but you can still see those similarities between when I played with him in Ireland and now.
“He’s down to earth. He still comes into the under-21s dressing room and has dinner with us. He’s level-headed.
“It was amazing to see him score for Ireland. just so special seeing someone you know making that step and playing for their country.”
Mullins joined in January and has made seven Premier League 2 appearances.
The 18-year-old admits that it’s not been the easiest adjustment coming over from Ireland during the season, but he now feels ready to have a real impact on Shannon Ruth’s under-21s in the remaining games.
“I am enjoying training and the matches, I am getting on well with the group, hopefully we can have a good finish to the season.
“It’s different and has challenged me in different ways, but I think I am up to speed and now I am excited for the run in.
“Being in full-time and training all the time was tough to get used to, but now I'm really enjoying it. The technical side has felt natural, but the physicality has been more of a challenge.
“It's great to have some familiar faces from home too. We’ve got Andy Moran, although he’s been with the first team a lot, but Mark [O’Mahony], Matt [Everitt] and Leigh [Kavanagh] have helped.
Shannon [Ruth] has been great, he pushes me to get better and has set targets to get into the team first and then to see what I can get out of the rest of the season.
“Gary [Dicker] talks about the defensive side of my game and helps that way. To have someone with that experience is invaluable."
The under-21s return to league action this Monday, when they travel to Liverpool.