EVAN FERGUSON is destined for superstardom, but don’t compare him to Republic of Ireland legend Robbie Keane. The red-hot Brighton sensation, who will miss tonight’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Holland due to a knee injury, became only the fourth player in Premier League history to net a hat-trick aged 18 or younger last weekend when he struck a brilliant treble against Newcastle.

But in the view of Keane’s former international strike partner Clinton Morrison, it’s premature to suggest Ferguson can match the exploits of Ireland’s all-time record goalscorer.

Morrison said: “Keane was one of the best players I ever played with but Ferguson has got great qualities too and I just want him to be his own personality.

“We’ve always looked at the Republic of Ireland and said ‘who’s going to fill Robbie Keane’s boots?’

“I don’t want to compare the two because Keane’s record is better than some of the all-time greats at international level.

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“While Ferguson undoubtedly has the class to deliver, we must also manage expectations as he’s still only 18 which is a ridiculous age, really.”

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber recently joked that it will be at least five years until they consider selling Ferguson after they recently negotiated the £115million British-record sale of Moises Caicedo to Chelsea.

And if the so-called Big Six do come calling, Morrison believes they would have to splash huge cash to land a player who is far more than just a natural goalscorer.

“I rate him so highly, there is no doubt that he is going to be a real star,” he added.

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“Roberto De Zerbi gets the best out of him at Brighton – he’s not just a No.9.

“He can drop into pockets, link the play and for a big guy you’d look at him at first glance and question his touch but it’s absolutely magnificent.

“He can do everything you want from a top-quality centre-forward. He can even drop into space as a No.10. Most importantly, he has no problems putting the ball in the back of the net. His finishing is already top-class.”

Unfortunately for England, while Ferguson qualifies to represent the Three Lions via his mother, he is now unable to change international allegiances – something that does not appeal to him anyway.

When asked whether he’d consider the controversial switch, he told Sky Sports in May 2023: “No.

“Obviously, my mam’s English so that’s where it probably comes from.

“I’ve seen a few saying ‘Oh, will he? Will he?’ I can tell you now, it’s a no. I wouldn’t be allowed back.”

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