Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi was full of praise for Evan Ferguson as the striker scored twice against Southampton in a 3-1 victory on Sunday afternoon.
The victory cemented the Seagulls place in European football for next season, with the Europa League looking most likely with one game to go.
De Zerbi was 'really proud' of his players and described securing European football for Brighton as "one of the best days of my career."
READ MORE: Exclusive: Italian giants join the chase for Irish striking sensation Evan Ferguson
The 43-year-old reserved special praise for Ferguson and said the Irish teenager is playing with maturity beyond his years.
“It’s incredible. It’s one of the best days in my career and I am really proud to be the coach of this club with these players and these fans. We won together," said De Zerbi.
“I can’t explain my emotions but I can say my players are of a very high level, they are fantastic players and fantastic people. They deserve to qualify for Europe.
“Ferguson’s improvement has been incredible. He’s playing like an old player but he is only 18. There is a good dressing room with the mentality to help all our younger players.”
The Seagulls only need one point from their final two games against Manchester City and Aston Villa to secure sixth place in the Premier League.
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