Evan Ferguson has opened up on his battle to get back into contention for regular Premier League football at Brighton.

The Ireland striker has endured a tough time since an ankle injury late last season brought a premature end to his campaign - and sent him to the operating table.

He has played just 22 minutes in the Premier League this season across three substitute appearances, and once in the League Cup, while he came off the bench in the two defeats last month to England and Greece.

READ MORE: Damien Duff hits back at Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley with f-word Galway rant

READ MORE: FAI Cup final ticket prices, when they go on sale and how to get them as draw upsets Derry City fans

While he was sidelined, there was a change of manager both for club and country, with Heimir Hallgrimsson taking the Ireland job and Fabian Hurzeler replacing Roberto de Zerbi at Brighton.

Ferguson (19) has been engaging in regular conversations with new Seagulls boss, hoping to speed up his return to the first-team on a regular basis.

“I feel good. I've been back now for a month or two, so I feel good, we will wait and see,” said the Meath native.

“He (Hurzeler) has not really set challenges, in a way. He's just been talking to me on what I can do, what needs to be done in his eyes to get playing, what he wants in his system. He's not really set any goals, just to come back and play as I can.”

Ferguson says it remains to be seen just how well he can fit into Hurzeler’s plans at Brighton.

“It's hard to say if I can fit into it as I haven't played too much yet, from the outside of things it probably looks like it might suit me better, on the front foot,” he said.

However, he feels he is always improving when he get to train with experienced strikers such as Danny Welbeck every day.

“I am good mates with Danny, I see what he does every day in terms of preparation for training, regeneration and that type of stuff, you learn something new every day,” said Ferguson.

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.

Related

Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes faces long wait before he finds out if he'll be jailed

Leinster squad update: RG Snyman cleared to play against Munster while Ronan Kelleher, Jordan Larmour and Jimmy O'Brien face fitness tests

Two major UK comedians set to bring their comedy tours to Ireland next year

Rossa Ryan pays heartfelt tribute to his father after Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe win: "I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today without him"

Tommy Bowe reveals 'slagging' from rugby pals over Ireland AM job - and how turned to UK TV bosses for help

Evan Ferguson reveals chats with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler in bid for more Premier League action

Phillip Schofield's bombshell WhatsApp text to Holly Willoughby - 'You brought me down'

PICTURES: Captivating Georgian Manor with enchanting private grounds hits the market

Hurricane Milton rapidly strengthens to Category 4 amid Florida evacuation preparations

Former radio DJ Nikki Hayes avoids jail and criminal conviction in money laundering trial

Star Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes must wait until at least December to find out if he will go to jail

Emerging Ireland Try Highlights v Western Force