DANNY WELBECK has admitted that he is enjoying helping Ireland's Evan Ferguson become a better striker.
The Brighton & Hove Albion veteran scored in the 3-3 draw against Brentford on Saturday, but Ferguson (18) did not make the line-up due to an injury.
The Republic of Ireland star has hit the ground running in England's top-flight this year by scoring 7 goals and went on to start in Ireland's international games against Latvia and France in March.
Ferguson also received widespread praise for his performances, and one of these included the likes of PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.
The Bettystown native's displays have linked him with the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Welbeck, who played for United for several years before leaving for Arsenal, admitted that he is trying to help Ferguson reach his enormous potential.
"We talk to each other about weaknesses in opponents and where we can get joy. I’m always talking with Evan," said the 32-year-old to The Argus.
Danny Welbeck enjoys helping Evan Ferguson at Brighton #bhafc https://t.co/Wbj0xvKbvh
— The Argus: Brighton and Hove Albion (@argusbha) April 3, 2023
"He's a great kid with a great mentality and has a bright future ahead of him. He's been training with us for well over a year now.
"He's very well adapted to the group. He's well integrated. When he's had his opportunities this season, he's flourished. He's still young, and I don't want to put too much pressure on him, but he's doing fantastically."
Brighton know where they stand in the football food chain in the Premier League, and it is expected that Ferguson will eventually move on if he continues to impress at the Amex Stadium.
Welbeck was asked about a potential move for his teammate and humorously said: "Go Real Madrid now."
"For young players coming through, this is an unbelievable environment [at Brighton] for them to grow and to learn as a player and person. I'd say at United, you come in and there's a bit more scrutiny. He can learn his game here and he can really improve himself as a player.
"You never know what lies in the future. I'm not saying what he should do. It's up to him. Everybody has got their own path, their own story, and they write that themselves.
"It's a great environment to learn your trade. I hope he gives many more really good performances. As a squad, we all need him to be part of it. Everybody is rooting for each other."
Brighton's next game will be against Bournemouth tomorrow, starting at 7.45pm.
