Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone was delighted for Republic of Ireland teammate Evan Ferguson after a superb debut.

The Brighton striker struck in victory over Latvia.

Smallbone said, “He was obviously going to score, wasn't he? He's in that kind of form at the minute and I'm buzzing for him.

“He's such a great lad. He's had such a quick rise, but he's got such a level head and I think as long as he keeps his feet on the ground, which I know he will…

“He's a good friend of mine and it's very nice to share my debut with his first start out there. For me to get an assist and for him to get a goal, it probably couldn't have gone too much better for either of us."