LEWIS FERGUSON may well be used to feeling like the main man at Bologna.
Just like he was at Aberdeen and Hamilton before that.
But when it comes to Scotland, he has no problems letting others take the limelight.
Ferguson – vice-captain of Bologna, Coppa Italia winner and the recipient of Serie A‘s best midfielder award in 2024 – has had to bide his time to become a regular fixture in Steve Clarke‘s team but played a crucial if somewhat unseen role in helping the side qualify for the World Cup.
The 26-year-old has been operating in a deeper role for the national team than he does for his club side in and isn’t asked to be the player who dictates the tempo of the game or to bomb forward and be a main goal threat.
Instead, his “dirty work” allows the likes of Scott McTominay and John McGinn to flourish.
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And he’s more than happy to do that, according to his dad.
Former Rangers and Hearts midfielder Derek Ferguson has opened up on his conversations with Lewis following Scotland’s dramatic and historic qualification for the World Cup.
He revealed that Ferguson Jr didn’t flinch at being tasked with a role that would free up the difference-makers to flourish.
Speaking on Open Goal, Ferguson Sr said: “He had a job to do, he’ll do the dirty work.
“It’s ingrained in him because of where he came from at Accies.
“He never had the ball! He had to go and dog and graft, so that’s in him.
“He’s added to his game, but he doesn’t mind that.
“And if that can free up the McGinns, the Christies, the McTominays, the guys that can make the difference, he understands that side of the game and doesn’t mind it whatsoever.”
The elder Ferguson himself wasn’t actually at Hampden for the momentous night, due to his recovery process from knee problems.
But when he did catch up with Lewis after the game, he was given some inside information on how Clarke inspired the squad with his pre-match speech.
He said: “The boys don’t like going with me to the football, I embarrass them big time, but that’s what I’m here for!”
“I went up to see him [Lewis] the next morning, they had a brilliant night [after the game].
“It was like a wee flashback to the olden days, they had a good kick at the ball let’s just say, they enjoyed themselves.
“But then I asked him how good it was and he said ‘da, see the team talk before we left the hotel at Blythswood, it was incredible’.
“He [Clarke] went through his tactics, then he just put them to the side and spoke from the heart.
“Spoke about the group, where they’ve came from, what they’ve been through.
“And that was him talking the next morning about it!
“He said ‘I can’t get it out my head, how he made us feel’.
“Everyone of them, staff as well, all together in the one place.
“They all love each other to bits.”
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