Evan Ferguson will be handed the chance of a repeat FA Cup performance at Stoke City today.

The Albion striker starts the third-round tie at the scene of his winning goal in the fifth round last season.

His selection comes with an explanation from Roberto De Zerbi as to why he is asking more of him.

The Seagulls head coach wants to offer the sort of help he appreciated in his playing days.

Ferguson has been on the bench for the last three games but looked quite lively when introduced at West Ham on Tuesday.

Albion head to the Bet365 Stadium today and De Zerbi said: “He plays in the first XI.

“I think Evan is a great striker. I would like he can improve in ball possession, to understand better the play, to understand when he has to receive the ball or when he has to attack the space.

“I would like to help him to become a complete player.

“My work is to win the game, to win the trophy if we can, but one important part of my work is to improve my players.

“Not because I am working in Brighton but because my philosophy is to improve the players.

“I put myself in the same position, thinking of when I was a player and for it I would like him to improve and for him to become a better player. But I love him!

“We play with 11 players because we can’t play 12 or 13 players. The rule is clear!”