Danny’s still hungry Fer’ more
Seagulls veteran happy to help evan and co
Danny Welbeck loves mentoring brighton’s young stars — but the Seagulls’ senior striker remains far more than a babysitter.
The former Manchester United and England forward has been in and out of Roberto De Zerbi’s starting XI following the stunning emergence of 18-year-old Evan Ferguson.
Irish teenager Ferguson missed this thrilling draw against Brentford, another surprise challenger for a European place, with injury.
But both he, 20-year-old Levi Colwill — on loan from Chelsea — and others have benefited from Welbeck’s counsel.
And the 32-year-old headed the home side’s second equaliser as Brighton came from behind three times.
Record
Both sides ended up disappointed with a point. Brighton had a record 33 shots on goal but still needed a last-minute penalty from ice-cool World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister to snatch a draw.
They are up to sixth and what a finale to the season awaits the south-coast club.
An FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United at Wembley looms, plus a full-on tilt for what would be a historic first qualification for Europe, with the Bees also in that hunt.
Welbeck, the best player on the pitch according to his manager, said: “Me and Evan always talk going into games, how we’re preparing and what we can spot in the opponent’s team — the weaknesses and where we might get a bit of joy.
“I’m always there for him. He’s a great kid with a great mentality and has a bright future.”
Welbeck’s breakthrough as a teenager came at Old Trafford, and Ferguson is reportedly a target for United.
Comparing the two set-ups, he said: “It’s obviously different.
“For young players coming through, this is an unbelievable environment for them to grow, improve and learn as a player, as a person. At United, maybe there is more scrutiny. But what he does is up to him, and not for me.
Position
“It is a massive two months. If we can get the win on Tuesday at Bournemouth, it’ll be a good couple of days.
“We’re in a great position in the table. We’ve got our targets, and it’s really good to aim high. If we fall short, then so be it.”
Highly-rated Colwill, whose future beyond this season remains uncertain, said: “Welbs is definitely a good person for
Evan to learn from as a striker, one of the best.
“But not only for Evan — all of us young players. The experienced players are all there for the youngsters, it’s one of the best things about this club.”
This match was an out-ofcontrol rollercoaster that had managers De Zerbi and Brentford’s Thomas Frank tearing their hair out.
Pontus Jansson, in his first Bees start for six months, headed them ahead.
Kaoru Mitoma lobbed Brighton level, before Toney put the visitors ahead again with his 18th goal of the season.
Welbeck made it 2-2, only for Ethan Pinnock to once more put Brentford in front. But VAR decided Aaron Hickey handled from sub Denis Undav’s shot, and Mac Allister did the rest.