Ferguson has come a long way since his Accies days.
A strong stint at Aberdeen launched his move to Serie A, where he rose to captain Bologna. With four seasons in Italy and a Coppa Italia to his name, he’s hardly a surprise choice, even if competition has limited his international minutes.
Billy Gilmour’s knee injury in last month’s friendly against Curaçao opened a gap for a holding midfielder behind McTominay, and Ferguson has seized it. Against Morocco, he led Scotland by breaking the lines 15 times and presented himself for a pass an extraordinary 76 times — more than double Che Adams’ 35.
Ferguson says he enjoys the unselfish side of the job and will play wherever the team needs him. He’s familiar with the role from earlier in his career and believes the manager has found a position that fits his game: covering ground, shielding the back line, supplying the attackers, and thriving in tackles and duels. He’s embraced the physical nature of recent games.
He adds that the only opinions he truly heeds are his own, his manager’s, and his father’s. He’s pleased with his recent performances — and thinks there’s still more to come.