Evan Ferguson is relishing the oppportunity to play in Europe next season after his brace against Southampton on Sunday ensured continental football for the first time in Brighton and Hove Albion's history.
The Seagulls' 3-1 win over the already-relegated Saints guarantees that, with two Premier League games to go, they will feature in at least the Europa Conference League, although their current position of sixth would get them into the more prestigious Europa League.
A number of European giants will be involved in the Europa League and the prospect of going up against them is something Republic of Ireland striker Ferguson is looking forward to.
"We've worked all season towards that and I think it just shows you credit is due to us for what we do every day and what we've achieved. Hopefully we'll have a good European run next season," the 18-year-old told the Brighton club website after his goalscoring exploits on Sunday.
The former Bohemians player's two goals take him up to six in his breakthrough Premier League campaign and 10 for the season in all competitions.
The first goal was a shot that went through Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy on its way to the back of the net.
"I think first time it was just trying to get a half a yard so I just said I may as well just hit it and luckily it went in," Ferguson said.
For the second goal, Kaoru Mitoma played the key role in bursting through and providing the assist which the Meath native appreciated.
"When (Mitoma) gets on the ball, you've got to be in the right positions because he can put it there and today he did and I finished it off."
With Ferguson's career on the ascent, he was quick to praise Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi for his input.
"I think he just gives you confidence. It's the way we play, you know what you're doing, you know what your job is and I think all the lads especially, they don't care what age you are," he said.
"If you're younger, you still need to put a shift in and I think it's just the attitude we have, it doesn't matter what age you are. If you can play, you can play."
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