Evan Ferguson: Ireland striker reminds Brighton boss of Italy great Christian Vieri

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi believes 18-year-old hat-trick hero Evan Ferguson has very similar attributes to former Italy star Christian Vieri.

Republic of Ireland international Ferguson became only the fourth teenager to register a Premier League treble following his match-winning display in Saturday's 3-1 success over Newcastle at the Amex Stadium.

Prolific striker Vieri hit more than 200 goals during an illustrious career in which he represented his country at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups and at Euro 2004.

The 50-year-old most notably played for Inter Milan, having become the most expensive player in the world in 1999 following his £32m switch from Serie A rivals Lazio.

De Zerbi feels Ferguson's ability to combine unselfish link-up play with lethal finishing is comparable.

"He's similar to Vieri but Vieri was left-footed and Evan is right-footed," said the Italian coach. "The characteristics are very, very close.

"Vieri was great, great. He scored 200 goals, and he worked in the defensive space, a generous player, like Evan."

Ferguson's hat-trick was the first in the Premier League by a teenager since Michael Owen's for Liverpool during a 3-3 draw at Sheffield Wednesday in February 1998 – more than six years before the Brighton forward was born.

Former Wednesday midfielder Chris Bart-Williams, who died in July, and ex-Reds striker Robbie Fowler have also achieved the feat.

Watch France v Republic of Ireland in Euro 2024 qualifying on Thursday from 7pm live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app or listen to live commentary on 2fm's Game On