Accidental football tourist Heimir Hallgrimsson is unlikely to end up as anything more than a footnote in Irish soccer history.Our national team is a complicated equation and his grasp of its algebra, minefields and Duffs has left a lot to be desired to here.The five-nil defeat to England was even more painful because of the apathy that surrounded it. five-nil, to England, and lots of shrugging of shoulders, FFS!Right now though in Plovdiv, and given the perilous state of mind the long suffering Ireland fan lives in - perpetual hope dashed each time - the Icelander would do well to have a pre-match chat with whatever hardy band of Irish supporters has made it to the game. READ MORE: Green Army invades Plovdiv - pics of Ireland fans ahead of Nations League clash READ MORE: Echoes of Liverpool boss Arne Slot as Heimir Hallgrimsson responds to Caoimhin Kelleher question At about this time of day he could take a stroll towards the yellow-liveried Hristo Botev stadium which isn't far from the city centre. That'd be our guys in 40 shades of green, white and off-white, and with some orangey bits.After all, it is still early, the match is 'tonight' at 9.45pm Bulgarian time, albeit that translates to our TV-friendly 7.45pm.It is a game that's on RTE and, come to think of it, I'd rather the national station interviewed those long suffering green tourists too - and asked them what team selection they'd favour.Because Ireland's travelling fans aren't just a hardy loyal bunch, they are a pretty knowledgeable crew and it's a good bet they want Evan Ferguson to start. So do I.It doesn't matter that he has been loaned out by an uncommitted, close to unenthusiastic manager at Brighton. It doesn't matter that West Ham are not using him as much as we would like.Ferguson should be playing because he is Bruce Springstein-1975, the then future of rock'n'roll; Ferguson-2025 is the future of Ireland forward line, he is rock'n'roll too and needs investment, nuture, as much game-time as possible.And I don't mean as a support band to anybody else. Give him the main stage, if we are playing one up top, let it be Evan. Because anybody who thinks, down the line, that injured spinning-top Sammy Szmodics is anything but passing through the Premier isn't watching enough Ipswich who, dropping like a stone down the table since the turn of the year, will be playing Championship football next term.And in ruling against selecting Championship-for-life players that also brings Mikey Johnston, Sinclair Armstrong and Rocco Vata into my line of fire. Premier-standard striker please; Sure, let's take a look at Troy Parrott and Adam Idah but they are not in satisfactory leagues either.Consider this: Premier football is changing, returning to an Alan Shearer model albeit given most managers across the division aren't namechecking it that way but as the return of the Robert Lewandowski model, big and brave, able to hold up the ball, most importantly big.Chris Wood was the early season's most obvious marker in this regard, my god I still can't believe I watched him play against Cabinteely at Blackrock rugby club on a Tuesday in 2017 (NZ won 5-2, Woods scored twice and was particularly unimpressive in League of Ireland first division company).But, as I say, football is turning towards the big striker - the false nine is fading from view.Erling Haaland (six-four), Alexander Isak (six-four) and Wood (six-three) are currently second, third and fourth in the Premier 2024/25 scoring charts. Lewandowski (six-one) who is a better footballer than any of those three is top scorer in Spain, Mateo Retegui (six-one) is runaway leading scorer in Serie A, Harry Kane (six-two) is the Bundesliga's leading scorer ahead of Paul Schick (six-three).Heimar (can I call you Heimar?), ask our lads on the main drag there, or seek them out in the stand when you arrive, tell Davey Keogh I said hello.Because none of them gives a Macedonia about whether Ireland remains in Nations League B or drops to Nations League C where the consolation prize would actually be winning some games. Pick Evan Ferguson, work on his confidence, explain you love him, that you know first-hand the Ireland fans want him to be successful. I appreciate you have a CV to tend to but can you help us out here?One F's team to play Bulgaria: Kelleher; Doherty, O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea, Brady; Azaz, Knight, Cullen, Parrott; Ferguson. NB: Incidentally I would have brought Mason Melia with the squad for the trip, had him on the bench, with the idea of getting him acclimatised now for further down the road. Might have helped with the Duff-Bradley hostilities too. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email.