Evan Ferguson ‘I'm trying my best when I get the shout from the gaffer and it seems to be going in at the minute’

Evan Ferguson coming on for Ireland against Norway last November

Evan Ferguson coming on for Ireland against Norway last November Credit: Eddie Lennon (ETPhotos)

Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson made it three goals, along with two assists, from his last four Premier League appearances when on Saturday his 88th minute header earned Brighton & Hove Albion a point away to Leicester City.

The teenager came off the bench in the 66th minute for Danny Welbeck when Albion were trailing 2-1 at the King Power Stadium but his powerful header, steered home off a Pervis Estupinan centre, earned his team a draw that keeps them sixth in the table two points behind Spurs above them.

“I think we deserved a point,” was Ferguson’s assessment after the game. “We were the better team. The way we are playing at the minute to come away to Leicester and to have them sit off is a complement to us. 

“The way we play we are always going to create chances. We conceded just before I came on so the manager’s message was to try and get a goal and get us back into the game. 

“I'm trying my best when I get the shout from the gaffer. I'm trying to do my job and it seems to be going in at the minute.”

His third goal of the campaign puts him joint 49th in the top scorer list in the Premier League this season – level with such players as Kevin De Bruyne, Anthony Martial, Mason Mount, Granit Xhaka, Luis Diaz and Antony.

Ferguson’s manager Roberto De Zerbi said he is very happy for the former Bohs man. “I am happy for the result and for Ferguson - it was a great header. He is only 18 and a very good player. I want to help him progress without too much pressure.”

On New Year’s Eve, Ferguson’s goal off the bench against Arsenal made him the youngest Ireland international to score a goal in the Premier League.



He followed that up three days later, when on his first start in the English top flight, he scored and provided an assist in Albion’s 4-1 away win against Everton.

Earlier this week, he provided the assist for Solly March’s second goal in Brighton’s 3-0 home win over Liverpool.

About Macdara Ferris

Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile