Brighton boss says club needs the 'true' Evan Ferguson

Brighton head coach Roberto de Zerbi has played down any injury worries regarding Evan Ferguson. 

The 19-year-old was substituted after 75 minutes of his side's 1-1 Premier League draw with Everton on Saturday. Ferguson appeared to limp off as he was replaced by Adam Lallana.

The Ireland international has scored six goals in the Premier League this season but the last of those came against Nottingham Forest in November. 

“I think he is good," De Zerbi said in his post-match press conference.

"I think he is not spending the best period of his time but we can help him and we can understand him because he is very young.

“I think he can play better. I think the team needs Evan but the true Evan, Evan at his 100% of his physical condition and mental condition, confidence."

After going one down to a Jarrad Branthwaite goal in the 73rd minute, Brighton captain Lewis Dunk rescued a point for his side in injury time. 

In an interview with Brighton's in-house media team, De Zerbi added: "We have big confidence in Evan. We believe he can become one of the most important players in the last part of this season. 

"For the striker, it's very important to score and play many games in a row. 

"The competition is tight with Welbeck, with Ansu Fati, with Facundo (Buonanotte) when he plays number ten. 

"He has to show his quality, his character. I am waiting for more from him because he has quality enough to play in the first XI. If we want to reach our target, he has to play depending on his qualities."

Asked if he kept Ferguson on the pitch for 75 minutes to boost his confidence and give him a chance to grab a goal, De Zerbi replied:

“Yes, I think he played well but, in such small spaces in the last 20 minutes, ten minutes, I thought