'Whole package' - Fabian Hurzeler gives forgotten Brighton striker first start in six months

The Republic of Ireland international is one of eight changes for Brighton as they face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup tonight (Wednesday, September 18).

The Seagulls are looking to advance into the fourth round of the league cup against Gary O'Neil's Wolves team, who are yet to win in the league this term.

Brighton advanced to the third round last month thanks to their fiery 4-0 win against Sussex neighbours Crawley Town, while Wolves beat Burnley 2-0 in the second round.

Jack Hinshelwood, Carlos Baleba and Yankuba Minteh are the only survivors from the goalless draw against Ipswich.

Ferguson, 19, came on a substitute in that match in his first appearance for Albion since suffering a serious foot injury in March this year.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler told reporters ahead of the Wolves match that the young striker has nothing to prove.

"He doesn't have to show me what he can do because I know what his potential is,” he said.

"I saw a lot of games of his already in the past when he played for Brighton.

"He's a great finisher in the box. He has the whole package for a striker."

Ferguson joined the Seagulls from Bohemians in 2021, despite interest from Liverpool, and is contracted to Brighton until June 2029.

The 19-year-old has made 65 appearances for Albion with 16 goals and five assists to his name. He was linked to Tottenham last summer as a potential replacement for Harry Kane when he left for Bayern Munich, while Manchester United and Chelsea have also registered their interest.

Hurzeler added: "It's important that he integrates in our style of play, that he follows our principles. That's the most important thing for me.

"He should do his work on the pitch in possession, out of possession. He should help the team and then he will have a great impact on our game for sure."

Ferguson scored six goals in all competitions last season, with his last goal coming in the 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest in November 2023.

The Republic of Ireland striker started the season on fire, scoring on the opening day against Luton and netted his first career hat-trick against Newcastle three matches later.

Ferguson became only the fourth 18-year-old to score a Premier League hat-trick, following Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Chris Bart-Williams.

However, the teenager was hampered by injury problems and struggled to find his best form after a breakout 2023, which also saw him grab his first two international goals.

Speaking last month, Hurzeler said Ferguson remains an important player for Brighton – despite making a number of attacking signings this summer.

“For me, the most important thing for a young player is his attitude and his character,” Hurzeler said.

"When I see him working in the rehab, on the pitch, beside the pitch, that was impressive. And when we have video meetings, he's really into it. He tries to focus.

“He knows what we want from him. He's very interested in how our style of play is and you really feel that he wants to improve and that he's really into it. I heard a lot of positive things about him. I saw a lot of positive things and we try to help him. We try to improve him and then he can be a really good striker in the Premier League.”

Brighton: Jason Steele, Pervis Estupinan, Igor Julio, Adam Webster, Jack Hinshelwood, Carlos Baleba, Jakub Moder, Julio Enciso, Simon Adingra, Yankuba Minteh, Evan Ferguson

Substitutes: Bart Verbruggen, Tariq Lamptey, Lewis Dunk, Danny Welbeck, Kaoru Mitoma, Ferdi Kadioglu, Yasin Ayari, Mats Wieffer, Joel Veltman