Exclusive:'For sure' - Ireland ace tells Evan Ferguson to leave Brighton after latest injury

Former Ireland and Manchester City defender Richard Dunne believes Evan Ferguson should leave Brighton in order to kick-start his career.

Ferguson had another frustrating campaign as injuries hindered his season loan in Serie A at Roma. The Ireland international striker made 16 appearances in the Italian top flight with three goals and two assists.

He also had six outings in the Europa League and netted twice for Gian Piero Gasperini's men. Ferguson has though missed the last 12 league matches with an ankle injury sustained last January in a Europa League group match at Stuttgart.

The Brighton man underwent successful ankle surgery last March and will hope to regain full fitness in time for pre-season.

Ferguson is contracted with Brighton until 2029 but his future looks uncertain. Danny Welbeck, 35, continues to be Albion's first choice striker, with the likes of Georginio, Charalampos Kostoulas and Stefanos Tzimas all pushing hard.

Dunne: Ferguson should leave Brighton

Dunne, who made 80 appearances for Ireland, feels a move would be in Ferguson's best interests.

"Yes, I think he will need to leave Brighton this summer for sure," Dunne said to Sussex World, via Premier League predictions.

"He is still young and very promising player, but these injuries aren’t helping his progression. For a striker especially, you need to be playing games regularly to build the confidence and getting into a rhythm of scoring goal and contributing to the team.

"When you’re having this niggling injuries, it takes time to get back up to speed of any game, especially in the striker position and you want to gain as much momentum as possible to be at your best to get a good run of games together as that builds confidence.

“Also from a team perspective as well, the more you play, the more understanding you have with your team mates.”

Ireland need Ferguson too

Dunne feels Ferguson had shown promising signs in Serie A and insists the 21-year-old has a big future with club and country.

"Yes Evan had real promising signs and Roma and this looked a good move for him," Dunne added.

"For Ireland as well they need him back fit and raring to go as the team are now looking at youngsters to build their future and Evan Ferguson definitely has a part to play for Ireland in the future.

"But, looking at short term, Evan needs a place to play regularly and once fit, can enjoy a good run of games and it looks unlikely that Brighton will be that club.

"I hope these injuries stop as Evan burst onto the scene and definitely has top potential to play top flight football."

Ferguson joined Brighton in 2021 from Bohemians and has made 80 first team appearances with 17 goals and six assists.

Hurzeler: Ferguson can have big impact

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking last March, remains a big fan of Ferguson and feels he still has a future with the Seagulls.

“Every player who has a contract has a future. We all know what Evan is capable of doing. He proved it so many times playing for this club.

“He had some really good games for Roma, he scored some goals, he played some really good games.

“We are all happy for when he’s back because then he can have a big impact on our game.”