Irish Players Abroad: Contrasting News For Parrott and Ferguson Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

By Connor Whitley

Evan Ferguson was an unused substitute for the first time in his Roma career as they came from behind to beat Fiorentina 2-1.

The 20-year-old played 77 minutes in Roma's defeat to Lille in the Europa League as his wait for a goal continues and he will now likely have to wait even longer.

Speaking after the win over Fiorentina, Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini revealed Ferguson has an ankle injury making him a doubt for Ireland's upcoming World Cup qualifiers away to Portugal and at home to Armenia.

On a more positive note, Troy Parrott is in the Ireland squad and made his return after nearly six weeks out as he came off the bench for the final 20 minutes of AZ Alkmaar's 2-1 win over Telstar in Eredivisie.

Check out our full guide to Irish players abroad

Idah Off The Mark

In further positive news for Ireland's strikers, Adam Idah netted his first goal for Swansea City — and his first in domestic football this season — from the spot as Leicester won 3-1 in south Wales.

Idah scored a dramatic 93rd minute equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Hungary and turned provider for Ireland's goal in the 2-1 defeat away to Armenia in last month's international break.

Elsewhere in the Championship, there were no more Irish goalscorers at the weekend but Rocco Vatta grabbed his first goal of the season in midweek and his second assist as Watford drew 2-2 with Portsmouth.

The Glasgow-born 20-year-old is part of the Ireland Under-21s squad this international break and he has six goals in nine appearances at the level already.

🗣️ "To get my first goal for the club is good, I know it's not the result we wanted, but to get off the mark will give me some confidence."

— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) October 5, 2025

Quiet Weekend In The Premier League

There was little of note from the Irish contingent in the Premier League again this weekend.

Keith Andrews' Brentford lost 2-1 at home to Manchester City with Nathan Collins and Caoimhin Kelleher playing 90 minutes.

The goalkeeper made a number of smart saves but could not stop the inevitable with Erling Haaland scoring the winner.

Jake O'Brien played the 90 minutes at right-back as Everton ended Crystal Palace's 19-game unbeaten run with a 2-1 win. Seamus Coleman came off the bench in the 90th minute.

Josh Cullen was the pick of the Burnley XI in their 2-1 defeat away to Aston Villa.

Oko-Flex Continues Impressive Start

Away from the headlines, Armstrong Oko-Flex is getting his career back on track with Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv.

The winger scored his third goal for his new club in their 2-1 away win over Botev Vratsa after making the move over the summer.

He has now matched his goal tally in 18 months at FC Zurich in six games for his new side.