Danny Welbeck has taken Evan Ferguson under his wing and is urging him to stay at Brighton.
Ireland striker Ferguson is attracting interest from the biggest clubs in the Premier League for his performances this season.
But Welbeck, 32, who came through the ranks at Manchester United, believes the Bettystown teenager will thrive at Brighton.
READ MORE: Brighton 'lucky' to have Evan Ferguson as big clubs circle Irish teenager
He said: "For young players coming through, this is an unbelievable environment [at Brighton] for them to grow and to learn as a player and person.
"I'd say at United, you come in and there's a bit more scrutiny. He can learn his game here and he can really improve himself as a player.
"You never know what lies in the future. I'm not saying what he should do. It's up to him. Everybody has got their own path, their own story, and they write that themselves.
"It's a great environment to learn your trade. I hope he gives many more really good performances. As a squad, we all need him to be part of it. Everybody is rooting for each other."
Ferguson missed Brighton's 3-3 draw with Brentford on Saturday through injury, with Welbeck starting up front and getting on the scoresheet.
But, despite competing against each other to lead the line for the Seagulls, Welbeck says he is happy to mentor the Ireland striker.
"We talk to each other about weaknesses in opponents and where we can get joy. I’m always talking with Evan," he told the Argus.
"He's a great kid with a great mentality and has a bright future ahead of him. He's been training with us for well over a year now.
"He's very well adapted to the group. He's well integrated. When he's had his opportunities this season, he's flourished. He's still young, and I don't want to put too much pressure on him, but he's doing fantastically."
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