Evan Ferguson on 2023: 'It's been a bit of a mad year'

It's nearly a year since Evan Ferguson took a significant step in his fledgling career by becoming the youngest Republic of Ireland international and the youngest Brighton player to register a Premier League goal in his side's 4-2 loss to Arsenal.

That was New Year's Eve and now as we near the end of 2023, Ferguson's stock has risen further, with the 19-year-old scoring 12 Premier League goals during the calendar year so far, including a hat-trick against Newcastle in September, as well as netting three times for his country.

Ferguson has received more than a few plaudits, with Kylian Mbappe, in advance of the Euro 2024 qualifier, saying: "He's a good striker, an important striker for that team".

Gary Lineker, speaking on Match of the Day after the three goals Ferguson netted against Newcastle, saw similarites with another striker.

"I do see a hint of Haaland about him. His stature and his movement and stuff like that and his youth as well."

Of course, Ferguson takes such praise in his stride. "I'm just chilled out," he said, when speaking to Tony O'Donoghue to mark being named RTÉ Sport Young Sportsperson of the Year.

Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson is the RTÉ Sport Young Sportsperson of the Year for 2023 #RTESportAwards