Evan Ferguson was on target again to give the Republic of Ireland a welcome win.

The Albion striker’s fourth senior international goal earned a 1-0 Nations League victory over Finland in Dublin.

He also conceded a penalty which Caoimhin Kelleher saved to see the Irish across the line.

Ferguson’s goal added to his recent strike for the Seagulls versus Wolves in the Premier League after he went almost a year without scoring.

Finland had enough chances to have taken charge of proceedings but Ferguson was lively.

The Republic thought they had taken a 23rd-minute lead when Sammie Szmodics rounded keeper Lukas Hradecky to finish after running on to a superb pass from the Albion man, but he had slightly mistimed his run and an offside flag ruined his celebrations.

Ferguson saw a long-range attempt loop over with Hradecky wrong-footed two minutes later.

His goal was a close-range header after Michael Johnston chipped over the most teasing of crosses.

Ferguson’s evening took a turn for the worse with 14 minutes remaining when, after a VAR review, he was adjudged to have blocked Daniel O’Shaughnessy’s hooked attempt with his arm and German referee Harm Osmers belatedly pointed to the spot.

But Kelleher guessed correctly as he dived to his right to save Joel Pohjanpalo’s attempt from 12 yards before claiming the loose ball.

The Irish will finish third in the group whatever happens when they play England on Sunday.