Liverpool hero John Aldridge has urged Irish fans to be patient with Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.

Ferguson is tipped for big things after his breakthrough with Brighton this past season.

But Aldridge wrote for the Sunday World: "All of us need to be patient with young Evan Ferguson.

"While we've been impressed by what we have seen so far from the Brighton striker, who has emerged as one of the brightest stars in the Premier League over the last few months, we also need to inject a little caution here.

"This kid is only 18, and while he has shown flashes of brilliance in the toughest league of them all, he is still learning his trade and will not be at his best for another two or three years, at the very least.

"The trouble is, Ferguson has been so good in his breakthrough season that it has been impossible to stop the hype from inflating around him.

"His movement is top-class, his awareness of where to be to collect the ball is superb, and his finishing has been excellent.

"Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer are among those who have said he seems to be the real deal and I echo those sentiments.

"I can see why Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are among the clubs being linked with Ferguson because he looks to be an exceptional talent."