Ferry debuts for Ireland as transfer talk heats up
The wingback is now a fully fledged international.
Dundee United wingback Will Ferry is now an Ireland international, earning his first cap in a 5-0 victory over Grenada.
Ferry, who was a half-time substitute at the Estadio Enrique Roca in Murcia, made an immediate impact off the bench to set up the opening goal.
Within 60 seconds of coming on, Ferry played a characteristically incisive pass to Tom Cannon, who fired a low shot away to the open the first of five goals.
Although the friendly fixture falling outside of the international window, United granted Ferry permission to miss the club’s final game of the season.
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said that United called the Ireland squad to offer Ferry after Joel Bagan pulled out due to injury.
He also speculated that part of United’s motivation for offering Ferry up was to increase his value in the upcoming transfer window.
Ahead of the game, Hallgrimsson said: “Dundee United called us and said he would be available.
“I think he is on the move, so they probably wanted him to have a cap, I don’t know.”
Ferry is entering the final season of a three-year deal with United and it is widely expected that, if the right offer comes in, the left wingback will leave over the summer.
In January, United knocked back a six-figure bid for Ferry from the MLS’ Vancouver Whitecaps.
Manager Jim Goodwin said: “We brought Will in when he was 22 and gave him the opportunity to raise his profile and to continue his development.
“He has developed well over the last couple of seasons. With that, there’s always going to come a little bit of attention.
“Every player in our squad has got a valuation. We’re no different to any other club out there. If the valuation is met, then there’s decisions that need to be made.
“If it’s not, then there’s no decision and Will Ferry will stay at Dundee United next season.”
With another major squad rebuild ahead, and a limited budget to do it, United have been keen to emphasise how coming to Tannadice has provided up and coming players an important platform to earn an international call-up.
Emmanuel Agyei was also granted permission to miss the final game of the season to travel to Ghana, where he hopes to earn a spot in the Black Stars’ World Cup squad.
Dario Naamo is also expected to be named in Iraq’s 33-man squad for an upcoming friendly against Andorra at the end of May after switching allegiance from Finland.