WEST HAM UNITED legend Tony Cottee has hailed Evan Ferguson’s West Ham debut.
The Republic of Ireland striker impressed the former Hammers forward despite the 1-0 defeat to Brentford.
The Bettystown ace came off the bench at half-time in the Premier League defeat but made an instant impact for Graham Potter’s outfit.
Ferguson teed up Mohammed Kudus within seconds of his introduction, only for his teammate to squander the opportunity.
The loanee also came close to marking his maiden appearance with a goal.
And Cottee, who scored 146 goals across two spells with West Ham, reckons the Irishman has a solid presence about him.
Speaking to TalkSPORT, Cottee was excited that West Ham have signed a player who can lead the frontline.
The seven-time capped ex-England star said:“I saw someone leading the line. He looked fit, he looked sharp.
“He had a good effort where he hit it on the turn – if that had gone in, it would have been fantastic.”
“West Ham need a focal point. I can’t stand playing without a centre-forward – it absolutely does my head in.
“It’s hard for everyone – the defenders, the midfielders, the wide players—because they’ve got no focal point.
“As soon as Ferguson came on, West Ham had one.”
Ferguson, 20, joined the Hammers for the rest of the season from Brighton, reuniting with Graham Potter, who gave him his first-team debut at the Seagulls.
The two now reunite as Ferguson looks to relaunch his promising career in East London.
Ferguson made 13 league appearances under Fabian Hürzeler at Brighton this season, scoring just once before the loan switch to East London.
