There's been a lot of hype around Evan Ferguson for quite some time now among Irish fans, and that will only have grown after a stunning start to his senior career at Brighton.
Ferguson joined Brighton from Bohemians at the age of 16 and, though still only 18, has been trusted with regular first team football since the Premier League returned last month.
He has certainly repaid manager Roberto de Zerbi's faith in him, scoring two goals and providing two assists in his last two Premier League appearances. Tuesday night saw him contribute one of each in a rampant 4-1 win over Everton, and he was lively throughout - nearly having a second goal to his name when he hit the post early on.
READ HERE: "You Only Get These Talents Once Every 10 Years" - Evan Ferguson's Youth Coach On His Brilliance
Ferguson has Irish and Brighton fans excited with his phenomenal ability at such a young age - but he also seems perfectly down-to-earth and grounded, as his brilliant post-match interview with Brighton showcased on Tuesday night.
Evan Ferguson: Youngster grounded after two goals in two games
Speaking in his post-match interview after Tuesday's 4-1 romp at Goodison Park, Evan Ferguson came across superbly.
The young Irishman spoke about the importance of getting the three points, and how he had enjoyed scoring more at Goodison than he had in defeat against Arsenal.
He has a head far wiser than 18 years old on his shoulders, and that came across in spades during a brilliant interview. When asked if he would remember Tuesday's game [his first ever Premier League start] forever, Ferguson said:
I think so! Great result - obviously bouncing back from last week, it's probably the best result we could ask for.
I think we came in at half-time, we knew we could do better, we knew we had to go at them. We came out and tried to give it our best and luckily the goals came through.
I think it's a lot better [to score] when you can go and celebrate and you're not going picking the ball up and getting straight back. Just buzzing with the result and to get another goal.
Ferguson said that his family were watching the match at home in Ireland, and he was anticipating a fair few messages from them when he got the chance to check his phone.
Manager Roberto de Zerbi has spoken highly of Ferguson in recent weeks, and it looks as though his faith in the ex-Bohs man is paying off. Despite his young age, Ferguson has proven his potential already, and marked himself out as an exciting talent not just in Irish football, but at Premier League level.
Asked if he thought he was "ahead of schedule", Ferguson said:
Whatever he [de Zerbi] thinks. It's his decision at the end of the day, I'm just going to keep coming in and keep working harder. If he wants to play me then I'll try prove myself and try to get on the scoresheet.
I feel comfortable. In with the lads every day, they push you to the limit. It's not like training isn't a good tempo - you have to keep working and working. When you get here, it's good.
A remarkably diplomatic and impressive answer from a man who is surely buzzing with the start to his Premier League career.
In his post-match interview, Brighton boss de Zerbi heaped yet more praise on Evan Ferguson, saying that he saw great potential in the Irishman's future:
He can become a great striker. He has a big potential - physical and technical. In our team, my work is to help the young players to progress.
Several of Ferguson's teammates took to Instagram to congratulate the 18-year-old on his goalscoring feats on Tuesday night.
Irish teammate John Egan was among those to comment on Ferguson's post-match Instagram post, along with several fellow Brighton players.
Andrew Moran - a fellow Irishman who made his Premier League debut for the Seagulls at Goodison Park - commented "Fergie time", while Adam Webster commented "On fire you big dope".
We remember a phrase being thrown about many years ago at Goodison Park when a youngster burst onto the scene there. We think it's applicable here too - remember the name, Evan Ferguson.
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