Fabian Hurzeler has dismissed speculation of Evan Ferguson leaving Brighton - but demanded he must 'accept his role' in the team.
It was reported on Tuesday that the Seagulls are set to make the striker available for loan in the January transfer window.
Ferguson has been linked with a loan exit from Brighton in January
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Ferguson has been linked with a loan exit from Brighton in JanuaryCredit: Getty
Ferguson has only started one Premier League match this season and could soon be offered the chance of more playing time elsewhere.
However, an exit appears to have been ruled out by Brighton boss Hurzeler when he spoke ahead of their Friday night clash at home to Southampton, live on talkSPORT.
"I don’t know from where this information comes because I said to Evan that I am happy he is here with the team," he said via the Metro.
"I am happy how he is training, what shape he is in physically, mentally. Of course, he is a young player and needs game time."
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Although Ferguson has only played 258 minutes of football so far this season, Hurzeler insists he must stay ready for any potential opportunity.
"That is the same thing I demand from all the players, accept your role and don’t complain," he added.
"You can be disappointed if you’re not playing, I was the same as a player, it’s normal and should be like this.
"But accept your role and make sure you bring yourself in the mood and the shape that, when you get the chance, you are ready.
"The best example is with Igor [Julio]. No one expected Igor to play that many games in this phase, but he always made sure he was ready for games and for the chance.
"He always trained hard, never complained, accepted his role and then when he got the chance he was there. It is exactly that which I demand from Evan and also what I said to him.
Hurzeler says he's happy with the young striker
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Hurzeler says he's happy with the young strikerCredit: Getty
But he has told Ferguson he must be ready for his chance
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But he has told Ferguson he must be ready for his chanceCredit: Getty
"I never said anything to him about a loan or anything like this. We are happy Evan is here and I am sure he can help us in the next week."
Danny Welbeck, Joao Pedro and Georginio Rutter have all been the preferred options to play in attack for Hurzeler.
Ferguson, who has made 74 appearances for Brighton in total, has only played in seven of their Premier League fixtures this season.
He was absent from the first three matches whilst recovering from an ankle injury and has since scored only one goal.
The Irishman will be hoping to feature for the club in their south coast clash against Southampton.
Brighton will rise to second in the Premier League and sit just six points behind leaders Liverpool with a win.