Albion under-21s will be hoping the form of Evan Ferguson continues on Tuesday as they begin their Papa Johns Trophy campaign away at League Two Colchester United.
The striker netted a hat-trick against Leicester City on Saturday in Premier League 2, taking his tally for the league season to four goals in three games.
“It's a good feeling to score my first hat-trick for Brighton,” he said. “We played well, created chances and it was lucky that they fell to me and I put them away,” the Republic of Ireland under-21 international said.
Andrew Moran provided two assists for his fellow Irishman as Albion cruised to a 4-1 win.
“Me and Andy have a good connection on the pitch, we’re on the same wavelength, so when we’re clicking it’s very hard for people to stop us,” added Ferguson.
“I feel good and sharp because I’ve been playing in the under-21s, I am in a good place at the moment.
“I’ve been training with the first team, but I play for the under-21s to get minutes. We needed our first win [in Premier League 2] to get the season properly started, so I am pleased I could play my part.”
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The U’s are our first opponents in Southern Group A, before we face Gillingham in October and Charlton in November.