ALBION boss Graham Potter has predicted that young striker Evan Ferguson has a "big future" ahead of him.

The 17-year-old has been in good form for the academy side, having scored nine goals in only 16 appearances this season.

There have even been calls from fans for the Irishman to be given a chance in the Premier League side to help with the club's forward line.

Ferguson has made his debut for the first team this season in the Carabao Cup and has been named on the bench in the Premier League squad in three different games.

The Argus: Evan Ferguson has been in fine form this seasonEvan Ferguson has been in fine form this season

However, he is yet to make his Premier League debut, but Potter believes that the experience of being with the first team is good for the promising youngster.

The Albion manager said: "It's great for him, he's a young guy, but he's got a big future I think.

"I've been really impressed with him in training, he's got really good movement, you can see his qualities, his goals, they are not by accident that's for sure, he knows where to be in the box and around the defenders.

"The more he is with us, the better he will get.

"The guys in the academy have done a fantastic job with him, now it's about the next stage.

"We need to take it at the right pace for him, but while he's in the first team it's a great experience for him.