Exclusive: James Milner understands Brighton team-mate Evan Ferguson 'hype' but says he's in 'right place'

Brighton’s James Milner has praised team-mate Evan Ferguson's finishing as “phenomenal” and believes he’s in the “right place” despite recent transfer rumours.

The 19-year-old has scored six goals in 21 appearances so far this season, including his first Premier League hat-trick against Newcastle.

The Republic of Ireland international has been linked with a big-money move to Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea, even though he signed a long-term deal with Brighton in November.

Milner, who joined Brighton from Liverpool last summer, told TNT Sports' Steve Sidwell that Ferguson's finishing in front of goal is "so good".

“I think [he’s] a great lad, first and foremost. Wants to learn, wants to get about, which is so important," said Milner.

"He’s in a great place in terms of the club, the manager he’s working with. Senior players he works with, looking at someone like Welbz [Danny Welbeck] - how he goes about his business and how he plays. He’s in a great spot.

“His finishing is phenomenal you know, just so good. If a chance is falling, you want it to go to him.

"He had a chance at West Ham, we were joking about it. He didn’t score but he made it out of nothing - he hit it instinctively.”

Milner also said Ferguson has still "got a lot to learn" and is in the best place at Brighton to continue to improve.

He continued: “[There are] so many areas he can improve, but that’s normal for a young guy. But his ability already. I’ve seen massive improvements in his hold-up play since the start of the season

“Depending on what team you’re playing in, his finishing might be enough for one team, but how we play - he hold-up play, the cleverness, the movement to fit into the style of play we play, that’s important as well. Learning off Welbz, that’s important.

"His attitude is fantastic but his ability is so good. It’s important that we protect him.

“There’s hype around him, as there should be, but he’s definitely in the right place at this moment in time and hopefully he’ll keep banging them in for us.”

Brighton face Wolves on Monday evening, live on TNT Sports.

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