Republic of Ireland Under-21s international Evan Ferguson says qualification for a first UEFA European U21 Championship would 'mean so much' to the country as the young Boys in Green get set to face Israel in a play-off against Israel next month.

In his first FAITV interview, Evan talks about his progression through the international ranks and his hopes of breaking into the Brighton & Hove Albion first team.

The teenager, who turns 18 in October, also revealed that being part of a U21s squad to reach a first ever European Championship will breakdown barriers for the next wave of Irish internationals.

Ireland U21s face Israel at Tallaght Stadium on Friday, September 23 in the first leg of the U21 EURO play-offs.