Ireland legend tells Evan Ferguson how he can win back his starting spot at Brighton
Evan Ferguson has made just one Premier League start for Brighton so far this season.
Evan Ferguson can back up his return to goalscoring form for Ireland by winning back his place in the Brighton starting-11, says former Liverpool and Ireland striker John Aldridge.
And according to the man who scored 19 times for the Boys in Green, and bagged over 420 club goals in England and Spain, Ferguson just needs to put in some overtime on the Brighton training ground.
Ferguson has managed just over 100 minutes of action in the Premier League so far this season across six appearances - with five of those coming as a substitute.
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He opened his top-flight account with a goal in Brighton’s 2-2 draw with Wolves late last month, and then scored his first goal for Ireland in 13 months with the winner on Thursday against Finland.
The 20-year-old is set for another start tomorrow night at Wembley - and then it’s back to Brighton until the next international window in late-March.
Former Ireland striker John Aldridge is aware of the difficulties facing Ferguson in breaking into the starting-11 at club level after his absence with an ankle injury.
Danny Welbeck and Georginio have both been in outstanding form, with former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Welbeck netting six times in 11 Premier League appearances.
But he reckons the young Meathman can fast-track his way back into contention by putting in extra time on the training pitch.
“Brighton have got a really good team and they’ve had good results whilst he’s been out,” said Aldridge, speaking to NetBet Online Casino, “so he can’t just slot back in, can he?
“No, that sometimes mentally can make you a better player, and mentally tougher.
“He can just say, when I get my chance here, no messing about, I want to score goals and keep on scoring goals, and keep my place.
“That’s the way football is. And his time will come, he has just got to be patient and work hard at his game. I always did that.
“After training, if you are frustrated that you are not playing, get one of the apprentices, get a goalie and do some finishing for half-an-hour, once or twice a week.
“Just bang the ball in the back of the net so you know when the chance comes around you are going to take it.
“That’s what I used to do. You have got to be mentally tuned as well and be prepared, so when it comes along you don’t fluff your lines. Work really hard at your game.
“He’s young, he’s fit, just work ever so hard. Little things that he needs to bring into his game, just work on it after training.
“Don’t go out to the cafe with the lads, get out on the pitch and keep on working.
“I always used to say that to the young players I had when I was manager at Tranmere - work at your game and work at your goals and always believe in your dream.”
Ferguson’s goal on Thursday was his fourth in 17 senior appearances for Ireland.
Now that he has found the net once again, Aldridge, who didn’t score in his first 19 games for Ireland as he adapted to the hard-running demands of Jack Charlton, reckons the youngster can go on a roll.
“When you get the one goal it’s a lot easier. The goals are like hockey goals when you are not scoring, and they are like rugby posts when you are scoring,” he said.
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