Alan Shearer: 'Phenomenal talent' Evan Ferguson needs to kick on

Evan Ferguson is a "phenomenal talent" who could be about to have a "really big" Premier League season, so says the English top flight's highest ever goalscorer, Alan Shearer.

The former Blackburn and Newcastle United striker suggested this coming Premier League campaign may be more or less make or break for the young Brighton player but Shearer is clearly a fan of the 12-times capped Republic Of Ireland frontman.

"Without doubt he can kick on. We’ve seen what he can do," Shearer said. "What he has to do now, he has to take it into the season and do it on a regular basis."

Ferguson, who doesn’t turn 20 until October, was Brighton’s Young Player of the Year for the 2022-23 season when he scored 10 goals in just 25 appearances, but the Meathman endured a hit and miss campaign last time around, finding the net just six times in 36 games.

"I don’t know what’s gone on at Brighton, whether the manager didn’t fancy him," Shearer – who recorded 260 Premier League goals during a glittering career – reasoned.

"All I know is I’ve seen a phenomenal talent there. I’ve seen the stature of him, his movement, seen what he’s like in front of goal.

"I’m hoping for his sake he can have a really big season because I loved what I saw, the raw enthusiasm, the raw ability.

"It was disappointing whatever it was, injuries or whatever, that he couldn’t kick on and have a really good season. I’m hoping that this is the season for him."

The 63-times capped England legend also had no qualms whatsoever about seeing Lee Carsley promoted to the top job as manager of the Three Lions, replacing Shearer's former international team-mate Gareth Southgate – albeit temporarily for now.

"That’s what happened with Gareth and (Luis) de la Fuente in Spain, he won the Euro