Evan Ferguson has been hailed as the “full package” as he is shortlisted among the world top young talents.

The Albion striker is one of 20 players who made it through to the last stage of the Tuttosport Golden Boy award.

A further five wild cards are then added to make a 25-man elite.

Former Albion loanee Levi Colwill was also among a 20 which includes Jude Bellingham, Rasmus Hojlund, Xavi Simons and Jamal Musiala.

Shane Duffy was the latest to be quizzed about Ferguson in the run-up to the Republic of Ireland’s game against Greece.

Duffy the former Albion centre-back now with Norwich City, said: “For me, he’s got everything, he’s the full package.

“He’s a strong boy, he’s a top finisher, he’s willing to work for the team and he’s willing to learn.

“For an 18-year-old, there is so much pressure on him already, you think that’s a good habit to have.

“We’re all really excited for the future for him.

“Hopefully with a bit of luck, he’s our talisman for years to come and gets the goals we all want.

“He’s a really good boy, he has a really bright future.”

Ferguson is already being compared in Ireland with the Republic’s record goalscorer Robbie Keane, who made his senior international debut against the Czech Republic as a 17-year-old in March 1998.

Duffy has warned Ferguson he needs to keep his feet firmly on the ground if he is to fulfil his potential and has seen signs that he will be able to do that.

He said: “First of all, he’s a great boy. He’s a really good head on his shoulders. He’s humble first and foremost, he never gets ahead of himself.

“He came to Brighton at 16 and he was like a man already. He stood out unbelievably well. He’s got a lot of potential. He’s only 18 and there’s a lot of pressure on him already.

“He will produce. For me, he’s got everything to be a top striker in the Premier League and in Europe. He just needs to keep going the way he is going, not to get too ahead of himself.”