Republic of Ireland international Evan Ferguson may be set for a return to Brighton after his two-goal contribution for AS Roma in Thursday’s Europa League win over Celtic.
The 21-year-old joined the Serie A side on a season-long loan from the Seagulls in July, and has so far netted three goals for the Italians, including the Celtic Park brace as part of their 3-0 win over Wilfried Nancy’s Hoops.
[ Evan Ferguson scores twice as Roma beat Celtic comfortablyOpens in new window ]
Ahead of their trip to Liverpool on Saturday, Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler said they are keeping a close eye on the Meathman’s Italian efforts.
“Evan is a player for us, that is why he will always be an option,” said Hurzeler. “At the moment he is on loan but we follow it, we are pleased how he performed yesterday. Of course we all follow it so definitely he might be an option.”
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Ferguson’s return to Brighton may be brought about by the loss of £20 million summer signing Stefanos Tzimas to a ruptured ACL. The 19-year-old will require surgery and is not expected to return to action until preseason.
After Thursday’s win, Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini praised Ferguson’s contribution. “Evan just did what he’d been doing recently in training,” he said in a post-match interview published on the club’s website.
“He’s a young lad, he needs a little patience. Beyond the goals – especially the amazing second – what really counted is his performance. It was a performance full of intensity, spirit, running, never giving up, and showing his best qualities,” Gasperini added.
For his own part, Ferguson revelled in the chance to play in front of a spirited crowd. “I actually like playing in this kind of atmosphere, in this kind of stadium,” he said of Celtic Park. “I’m Irish, so I feel almost at home here.”
Asked about the weight of expectation to perform, he added: “It didn’t go very well at the beginning, but it’s the start of a new era for me. It’s part of football, and I’m very happy with tonight.”
