Nov 29,2024
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has dismissed reports that striker Evan Ferguson is set to leave the club on loan in January.
Ferguson has struggled for game time with Brighton so far this season, having recovered from a serious ankle injury that saw him miss the end of last season and the start of this one.
Reports had linked the Republic of Ireland striker with a move away from the Premier League club in order to get some first-team time, but Hurzeler insists that he's going nowhere.
"I don't know from where this information comes because I said to Evan that I am happy he is here with the team," the Brighton boss said when asked about the speculation.
"I am happy how he is training, what shape he is in physically, mentally.
"Of course, he is a young player and needs game time."
Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter and Joao Pedro have all been preferred to Ferguson up front for the Seagulls this season, but Hurzeler has told the Irish attacker to knuckle down and be ready to make an impact when he gets the opportunity.
"Accept your role and make sure you bring yourself in the mood and the shape that, when you get the chance, you are ready," the Brighton boss said.
"It is exactly that which I demand from Evan and also what I said to him. I never said anything to him about a loan or anything like this."
Hurzeler wants Ferguson to take inspiration from Igor Julio after the defender recently forced his way into the first team, following a lengthy spell on the bench.
"I said to Evan I'm happy he is here and how he is training. He needs game time. The same with Julio.
"The best example is Igor, no one expected Igor to play so much but he made himself ready and always trained hard. When he gets his chance he is there."
