Roma boss Gasperini softens on Evan Ferguson: 'He’s a young lad and we have to be patient'

AS Roma's Evan Ferguson celebrates scoring their second goal against Celtic with Matias Soule. Pic:  REUTERS/Scott Heppell

Goals are the quickest route to a manager's heart and Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini appears to have softened considerably on Evan Ferguson after last night's brace from the Ireland striker at Celtic Park.

Ferguson scored twice in the first half as Roma eased to a 3-0 win over Celtic, the on-loan Brighton man's first goals in European competition.

The second, in particular, was beautifully finished, an instant control and swivel in the box that bamboozled Ireland colleague Liam Scales, who also headed an own-goal to put Roma ahead.

Earlier this week, Gasperini had appeared dispondent about Roma's chances of getting much more value out of Ferguson, suggesting he'd had plenty of chances and appearing to question his attitude in training. 

However, that tune changed in Glasgow, with Gasperini now preaching patience.

“During the game. he did what he often does in training. He’s a young lad and we have to be patient,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“His second goal was beautiful. His performance was great, and it’s important that he plays with this spirit and shows his qualities.”

Reports in Italy had suggested Ferguson would be on his way back to Brighton in the transfer window, but of his potential January business Gasperini added: “We have to be patient. These young guys could come good. Maybe it’s better that way rather than relying on the market. We’ll talk about the January window moving forwards, now, we have several important games to play.”

Speaking on Friday following Ferguson's brace, Brighton and Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler admitted Ferguson remains an option for the Seagulls after it was confirmed that striker Stefanos Tzimas is out for the season with an ACL injury.

"Stefanos Tzimas will miss the whole of the season. I hope he will be back in pre-season," said Hurzeler.

"He has already started his rehab. He will have surgery soon. We have big trust in the doctors and in our medical department. We are quite convinced that he will be back as quickly as possible and in even better shape.

"Evan is a player for us, that is why he will always be an option. At the moment he is on loan but we follow it, we are pleased how he performed yesterday. Of course we all follow it, so definitely he might be an option."

Ferguson, meanwhile, was diplomatic following his best night in a Roma shirt.

“I’ve always trained hard and always tried to give my all. Tonight it went well. 

“Gasperini tries to push me and the whole team to the max every day. He expects a lot from me and that’s why we work well together.” 

Of the Celtic experience, he added, “I enjoy playing in this kind of atmosphere. I’m Irish and here I felt almost at home."