Fabian Hurzeler has dismissed suggestions that Evan Ferguson is free to leave Brighton on loan in January.
Ferguson has struggled for a regular role since returning from injury, with the 20-year-old behind Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter and Joao Pedro in Hurzeler’s plans.
The forward has featured for just 105 minutes in the Premier League this season and speculation emerged this week surrounding a potential exit. Several Premier League and Championship clubs, alongside Celtic and Rangers, have been linked with loan approaches in January.
However, Hurzeler has shut down the rumours and challenged Ferguson to accept his role and fight for his place at The AMEX Stadium.
“I don’t know from where this information comes, because I said to Evan I’m happy that he is here in the team, that I’m happy with how he is training, and what shape he is physically, mentally, that of course he is a young player and he needs game time.
“The best example is Igor (Julio). No one expected Igor to play that many games in this phase of the game, but Igor always made sure that he’s ready for the games, that when he gets the chance that he uses it, and he was always there in training.
“He always trained hard and he never complained, he accepted his role, and then when he got the chance he was there.
“That’s the same thing I demand from the other players, so accept your role, don’t complain.
“You can be disappointed if you’re not playing, I was also disappointed when I didn’t play. It’s normal. It should be like this, but accept your role and make sure that you bring yourself in a mood and in shape, that when you get the chance you’re ready.
“That’s exactly what I demand from Evan, and that’s also what I said to him. I never said anything about a loan or something like this.”
