Brighton to make late Evan Ferguson call for FA Cup semi-final

Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi is giving Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson every chance of proving his fitness ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United at Wembley.

Albion are bidding to reach the final of the competition for only a second time in their history following a 4-0 replay defeat to United 40 years ago, but whether in-form Ferguson appears remains touch and go.

The 18-year-old has scored four Premier League goals this term and fired home a brace in the quarter-final demolition of Grimsby, but along with defender Joel Veltman, limped out of last weekend’s 2-1 win at Chelsea with an ankle injury.

"The injury situation is not clear yet," said De Zerbi. "We will see tomorrow morning. We have another two days, so we have time to understand the situation and analyse our situation."

De Zerbi wants his side to embrace the occasion on Sunday and stick to the eye-catching style of play which has the Seagulls chasing European qualification in the Premier League.

"If we want to progress, if want to improve our mentality, we have to play natural," said the Italian.

"We have not to suffer pressure or maybe it’s better we have to love this pressure.

"We have to get used to feeling this pressure because to play this type of game has to be an honour, not a problem.

"I would like to start the game with the positive head, the positive idea and to enjoy. To show our quality we have to try to enjoy."

De Zerbi’s only previous visit to the national stadium was as a spectator.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk coach will be in the dugout there for the first time after guiding his team to victories over Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Stoke and Grimsby.

Albion defeated United 2-1 at Old Trafford at the start of this season under