Evan Ferguson: Brighton striker will not go on loan

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler says Evan Ferguson is not available to go on loan but the striker must “accept” his role at the club.

The Republic of Ireland forward has started just one Premier League match this season and appears behind Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter and Joao Pedro in Hurzeler’s list of strikers.

The 20-year-old missed nearly five months this year with an ankle injury and had to wait until the middle of September to make his first appearance of the season.

The Telegraph, external reported earlier this week that the Seagulls would be open to allowing him to leave the club on loan in the January transfer window but Hurzeler denies that is the case.

“I don’t know from where this information comes because I said to Evan that I am happy he is here with the team,” said Hurzeler.

“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.”

The German said it was normal for players to be disappointed if they are not selected to start but that it was important Ferguson maintained a good attitude.

“Accept your role and make sure you bring yourself in the mood and the shape that, when you get the chance, you are ready,” said Hurzeler.

“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.”

Ferguson signed a six-year contract extension with the club in 2023.

He was named the club’s young player of the year for the 2022-23 season and scored a hat-trick against Newcastle United last season – just the fourth 18-year-old to do so in the Premier League.