Evan Ferguson admitted his comeback from injury was a tougher process than he would’ve imagined – before declaring he was in “the best shape” after scoring Ireland’s winner against Finland. The 20-year-old had the only goal of the game against the Finns on Thursday night as the Boys in Green secured a first home win

Evan Ferguson ’s fourth senior international goal handed the Republic of Ireland a 1-0 Nations League victory over Finland as Caoimhin Kelleher saved a penalty to see them across the line.

Ferguson seized his, scoring just his second goal of the season for club or country, while Sammie Szmodics thought he had his first for Ireland, only to see it ruled out for offside, but the in-form Ipswich Town man took another step forward here and cemented his standing as a key man in this Hallgrimsson era.

The Republic of Ireland wrestled their way to a 1-0 victory over Finland at the Aviva Stadium, with the result confirming the visitors' relegation to League C of the UEFA Nations League (UNL).

Republic of Ireland 1 Finland 0 From Andy Watters at the Aviva Stadium EVAN Ferguson’s first half header and Caoimhin Kelleher’s brilliant second half penalty save were the highlights as the Republic of Ireland dug in to win a game that could have gone either way.

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Finland 0 IRELAND HAVE DEFEATED Finland 1-0 in their Uefa Nations League clash at the Aviva Stadium. Evan Ferguson scored the decisive goal on the stroke of half time, while Caoimhín Kelleher saved a second-half penalty to secure victory for Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side.