Ireland boss reveals plan for Ferguson – and progress he is making in training

But national team boss Heimir Hallgrimsson says the Albion striker is on way back to full fitness.

Ferguson went on for the final few minutes of the 2-0 defeat by England on Saturday, touching the ball just twice.

It was his first playing time for club or country since the Seagulls’ game at Liverpool on March 31.

He will again be on the bench when Greece visit Dublin tomorrow.

But Hallgrimsson revealed his output in training sessions is increasing all the time.

The Ireland boss said: “He is coming back and I’m really happy with him.

“He’s doing the sessions with us, and with his running numbers he’s done more this week than in previous weeks with the club, he’s improving all the time.

“Hopefully in another month he will be in better shape.

“The kid is willing to do the work, willing to do well.

“Hopefully he’ll start to play and that will quicken his fitness levels.”