Fergie ready for Ronaldo test

Ferguson, who played at left-back during Newcastle United’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, could be playing in defence for Northern Ireland in next Tuesday night’s World Cup qualifier against Portugal, were he could come up against the ex-Manchester United man, who has scored eight goals in his last three games.

Manager Michael O’Neill watched Ferguson closely this season and also saw the 21-year-old play at left-back for Alan Pardew’s side that defeated Bordeaux in the Europa League last Thursday night.

“At international level we have used him on the left side of midfield but I watched him play at left-back in the Europa League and was very impressed,” admitted O’Neill.

“That gives us another option but we will work on our gameplan in great detail when we get to Portugal.

“Although Shane has become a big player in such a short space of time, I wouldn’t like too much pressure put on young shoulders.

“He is new to international football but the early signs are certainly very good and he is getting the benefits both at his club and with Northern Ireland.”

The former Shamrock Rovers gaffer has also praised the Eglinton man for forcing his way into the Toon Army side after missing a lot of pre-season.

“Shane’s pre-season was ruined by injury but he has worked hard to get himself fit,” O’Neill added.

“In fact, the season so far has been a bit stop/start for him but he is now fully fit and has also managed to force his way into Newcastle’s first team.

“That is great news for us, having a young player at the top level playing Premier League football and European football.

“Since I took over he has been superb. He showed everyone wehat he could do in the first game and followed that up with a terrific goal against Finland.

“Unfortunately injury ruled him out of the trip to Russia but he worked hard to be fit for the Luxembourg game and he has quickly became a very important player for us.

“The fans have also really taken to him. He is an exciting talent and he gets supporters on the ede of their seats when he is going forward.

“You only have to look at some of the goals he has set up for Newcastle in recent weeks to know the quality he has with his left foot but he is also versatile.”

As for Ferguson, he has been in super form for Newcastle in recent weeks - setting up goals against Manchester United, Reading and Bordeaux – and playing for his country against the Portuguese is something he’s already looking forward too.

“You just want to be able to show what you can do, and thankfully I’m getting that chance through the manager,” said Ferguson.

“It was even better for me that Michael O’Neill has been in the stands. I spoke to him before the game against Bordeaux, and it was great to see him there. Now I just want to push on and keep showing what I can do.

“Being back on the international scene’s brilliant, scoring against Finland gave me confidence.

“It was an unbelievable feeling because it came in front of my family at Windsor Park. It’s something I’ll always be proud of.”