Evan Ferguson has been hailed as 'the future of the Ireland team' - but it's not the compliment it might appear to be.

Liverpool and Ireland legend Mark Lawrenson delivered his verdict on the teenage striker, whose comeback from a long-term ankle injury continued when he started both Nations League games against Finland and Greece.

Ferguson has made three brief substitute appearances in the Premier League this season under new Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, along with a start in the League Cup against Wolves.

According to Lawrenson, it's only a matter of time before he is playing regularly again at club level.

"I think Evan Ferguson will get back into the Brighton starting XI eventually," he told Sports Casting. "I have no doubts Ferguson will rediscover his scoring touch again though.

"He's endured a season with a lot of injuries and has looked a little bit sluggish, but that's all part of the learning process as a young player. Brighton have Joao Pedro in there as well who's a brilliant player, so there's currently no pressure on Evan to lead the line for them just yet, he can focus on his own development."

As for his thoughts on Ferguson's role with Ireland, Lawrenson said: "I do think Ferguson is the future of the Ireland team."

But he quickly added: "To be honest, they don't have that many other outstanding players!

"I'd like to see the side qualify for another major tournament soon - that would be a good accomplishment with the players they have."

Lawrenson made his competitive Ireland debut in a 1978 World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria, in a team that included David O'Leary, Liam Brady, Gerry Daly, John Giles, Steve Heighway, Frank Stapleton and Don Givens.

He was involved in the country's first ever successful qualification campaign, but was ruled out of Euro '88 through injury.

Having lined out with many of the stars of Jack Charlton's glorious reign, with included a 1-0 win over England at the European Championships in West Germany, he doesn't hold out much hope for the current crop of players when they travel to Wembley next month.

"I don't think Ireland can get a result against England at Wembley next month, they're not good enough," he said.

"For a country like Ireland it's cyclical in terms of when they get a really good side. That 1988 team that went to the World Cup and did extremely well hasn't happened since, we just don't have the players, it's as simple as that.

"If they manage to qualify for a big tournament again then that'd be a major achievement with the lack of the quality. The problem is, they've got good players but they're just not good enough and there's not much the manager can do with them in the three days they've got."

Meanwhile, he believes goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is on his way out of Liverpool at the end of the season - but that he can make the most of his remaining time at Anfield.

"Losing Alisson is a big blow for Liverpool. He's a big personality and arguably one of the top three keepers in world football," said Lawro.

"When Caoimhin Kelleher first came in he was trying to make saves he didn't really have to make but once he was in for a while he became much better. He should try and make the most of these upcoming games.

"With Giorgi Mamardashvili coming in next season, they might go to Kelleher and say that they're prepared to let him go at the end of the season, but he might even play more games this season than Alisson. It's one of those things where we just need to watch this space."

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