Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini: 'Evan Ferguson had a lot of chances'

FERGIE'S TIME UP?: Roma's Evan Ferguson takes pictures with fans during a training session at Celtic Park. Pic: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.

Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini insists Evan Ferguson has had “a lot of chances” as speculation continues to grow that the Republic of Ireland striker will return to Brighton in January.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Tuesday that Ferguson is expected to return to the Premier League next month, despite joining Roma on a season-long loan during the summer in a deal that also has a €40m option to make it permanent next summer included.

The Bettystown native has scored one goal in 14 games in all competitions since joining the Italian Giants and speaking on the eve of their Europa League clash against Celtic in Glasgow, Gasperini admitted the 21-year-old needs to do better.

“I have nothing against him personally, it’s about the performances. Ferguson had a lot of chances,” said Gasperini.

“We want to wait for him to develop, but he has to do better, not just on a technical level, but in terms of attitude.

“For example, Mario Hermoso is a pillar of the locker room too, someone who sets the example on the field.”