Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler insists Evan Ferguson can have a bright future at the club after injury cut short his loan spell in Italy.
Ferguson has spent the season with Roma but will miss the rest of the campaign after undergoing an ankle operation.
Hurzeler has suggested the Republic of Ireland forward would be welcome back at the Seagulls next year.
"Every player who has a contract has a future. We all know what Evan is capable of doing," he said ahead of his side's trip to Sunderland.
"He proved it so many times playing for this club. He had some really good games for Roma, he scored some goals…we’re all happy when he is coming back because he can have a big impact on our game."
On the early end to the 21-year-old’s time at Stadio Olimpico, he said: "It’s not great for him, it’s bad for everyone. But 100%, he will come back stronger.
"We’ll give him the support he needs. I’m sure he has the mindset that wants to come back stronger and hopefully it doesn’t take that long."
The striker posted a message on Instagram on Wednesday, saying that he had undergone a "successful surgery to fix an on going problem. Work starts again now to get back fit and playing again."
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini had informed the press last Saturday that Ferguson would be undergoing surgery, confirming Ferguson's absence from this month's World Cup qualification playoff away to Czech Republic.
His spell in Rome had been dogged by ankle injuries, though he did score five goals in 22 games, including three in Serie A, making him the first Irish player to score in the Italian top flight since Liam Brady.
Meanwhile, Swansea City have said that Adam Idah is closing in on a return to action.
The Ireland striker has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since December.
However, the club said that Friday night's Championship clash at Wrexham will come "just too soon" for the Cork man who is hoping to be involved in the Ireland squad to face Czechia on 26 March.
The Swans' final league game before the international break will be next Saturday evening against Coventry City.
With additional reporting: PA
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