Ferguson not accustomed to substitute role, but World Cup with Scotland ‘a focal point’

Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson admits he must deal with not being a regular starter at the Stadio Dall’Ara, but still hopes to be part of the Scotland team at the 2026 World Cup.

Ferguson previewed Thursday’s Europa League game against Celtic at a press conference today.

“Celtic are a strong team, even if they’re in a tricky moment. They’ve changed coaches a couple of times this year, but they are still strong. I’ve played against them many times; they have strong players who are still there,” said the Scotland international.

“Physically, I feel well. I train every day, and I do my job every day, also in the gym. I never miss training, and I feel well and ready. I’m okay.”

Ferguson is expected to start tomorrow, while Remo Freuler will rest.

“Every time I’ve faced Celtic, they’ve been strong, really good,” Ferguson continued.

“I faced them a lot of times when I was at Aberdeen, when we had a good team. They were always just better than us, and it was difficult. Obviously, I’m looking to go and change that.

“It was probably the game I looked to when the draw came out. It’s nice to play against a Scottish team. We’re looking forward to it, we are ready, and we want to win this game.”

The former Aberdeen midfielder has faced Celtic many times in his career, so has he given any tactical tips to the Rossoblu staff?

“I spoke to the analyst a couple of times last week, but they do all the work, and I watch all the videos as you’d expect,” he replied.

“I haven’t given too much detail, and I don’t know too much detail about their squad. Of course, I follow Scottish football. I watch a lot of it. I’m looking forward to it; it should be a good game.”

Ferguson, 28, has made 23 Bologna appearances this season, but hasn’t yet scored or assisted. He has made three substitute appearances in Bologna’s last three Serie A games.

“It’s been a bit of a frustration, probably just because I’m not used to it. Maybe for the first time in my career, I’ve not been a regular starter,” he admitted.

“It’s a bit difficult, but you have to deal with it, that’s football. Sometimes you have ups and downs that are just part of it, so you have to deal with it, and I’m doing so. Still working hard every day to get back in the team.”

Has he spoken to Scotland coach Stephen Clarke recently?

“I’ve not heard any conversation with him as of yet. As I said, it’s normal, it’s just not normal for me,” Ferguson replied.

“I’ve not been used to it, so I felt a bit hard to deal with it, but as I said, it’s just football, you deal with it and do the same work you do all the time and try to perform as best as you can. I hope when the time comes for the national team, I’ll still be in the gaffer’s thoughts.

“I missed the Euros through injury, and it was devastating, so I think to have that [the World Cup] at the end of the season, be there as a motivation and focal point, something to look forward to. I’m sure everyone is thinking the same. Hopefully, I can stay fit and perform at a good level.

“It’s never nice to miss out on a major tournament, especially through injury. With no chance to come back in time, to have the World Cup, an even bigger tournament, it’s something we can all look forward to.”

Ferguson joined Bologna in the summer of 2022 from Aberdeen, what has he learned during his spell in Italy?

“I was pretty young when I made the move; I was only 22. I was relatively experienced in the SPL, but to go and step up at a different level, a different league, a different country and a different language, just everything changes, your life changes,” he admitted.

“You become a man, and I can say that in the past four years, first and foremost, I’ve become a better person, and I’ve definitely become a better footballer. I’ve learned a lot.”

Lastly, Ferguson answered a question on whether he had recently spoken to his uncle Barry, a former Rangers player and coach.

“I’ve not had a chance to speak to him recently to speak about this game, but I know his thoughts,” Ferguson replied, smiling.

“I know who he wants to win, that’s pretty clear. I’ve obviously spoken to my dad a lot over the last couple of weeks, but just things in general, not too much about the game, but I could probably tell you about his thoughts before he said them.”