Evan Ferguson reveals his Premier League hero and childhood club

Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson has revealed his Premier League hero and his childhood club.

Ferguson enjoyed a breakout campaign last season as he scored 10 goals in all competitions.

And he's off to a prolific start this term, having bagged a sensational hat-trick against Newcastle United on Saturday.

The Seagulls beat Eddie Howe's side 3-1 at the Amex Stadium, with the 18-year-old scoring all three of his team's goals in a scintillating showing.

He opened the scoring when he pounced on Nick Pope spilling Billy Gilmour's long-range piledriver. The budding forward bagged his second goal of the game after he curled home an incredible strike.

Evan Ferguson wheels away in celebration after scoring against Newcastle United. Image: Getty

On his left foot, Ferguson saw his deflected strike hit the back of the net to complete his hat-trick.

During the match, a video emerged on social media of the Irishman revealing his hero and childhood club.

Asked about his first footballing hero, he said: "I think I would’ve said Wayne Rooney because he even had the show 'Wayne Rooney Street Striker' so I used to watch him and I used to support United as a kid."

He added: "I used to watch him and all that and he was just unbelievable."

Manchester United have been linked with the player. As a boyhood fan, a move to Old Trafford could be on the cards in the future.

Roberto De Zerbi, meanwhile, heaped praise on his star forward following their big win over Newcastle.

"I was delighted today - not just for the goals but I’m really pleased for the performance," he said.

"Especially in the first half he played very well, found the right position between the lines. He understood very well the position. He is working to complete his quality, he can become big, big, big.

"He can become the top scorer in Europe."