How Lewis Ferguson became Scotland's key World Cup player

Eight years ago, Lewis Ferguson had just left Hamilton Academical, a promising 18-year-old making his mark in midfield alongside Darian MacKinnon and Ross Jenkins. On Wednesday, he could be Scotland's key man in stopping Brazil's Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Jr, and Casemiro as the team aims to make history. Two games into Group C, Ferguson has arguably been Steve Clarke's most influential player. But how did he emerge from the shadow of Tartan Army heroes Scott McTominay and John McGinn to become such an important cog in the machine?

Gilmour's misfortune and Ferguson's chance

Ferguson has come a long way since his Accies days. A successful spell at Aberdeen propelled him to Serie A, where he became Bologna captain. With four seasons in Italy and a Coppa Italia under his belt, he is no left-field pick. However, international appearances have been hard to come by given the squad's depth. But misfortune can lead to opportunity. Billy Gilmour's knee injury in the friendly against Curacao last month left a gaping hole in Clarke's lineup as a holding player behind McTominay. Ferguson has performed the role superbly.

Against Morocco, he broke through the African line 15 times, the most of any Scotland player going forward. Astonishingly, he offered himself to receive a pass 76 times during the game, compared to the second-highest figure of 35 from Che Adams.

"The unselfish bit, I enjoy it," Ferguson told BBC Scotland. "I'm representing my country - I'll play any role. I played it a lot when I was younger. The manager has found a role that suits me. You do a lot of the dirty work - covering the ground, protecting the lads behind you, feeding the lads in front of you. Tackles, duels - it's part of my game. It's massive within the team. The games have been pretty physical and I've enjoyed it."

He continued: "As long as I know I'm happy with my performance in the team and the manager is happy with my performance in the team. There are very few people in this world that I listen to… Myself, my manager and my dad. I've been happy with my performance recently, but there's more to come."

'I owe my dad the world'

Football runs deep in the Ferguson family. His father, Derek, is a former Rangers, Hearts, and Sunderland midfielder with two Scotland caps. Uncle Barry captained Rangers and Scotland and is regarded as one of the best players of the modern era not to reach a major tournament as his nephew has.

"He's in Miami. I texted him to say happy Father's Day," Ferguson said of his dad. "It makes me happy to let him see his son play in the World Cup. From what I know he probably wanted to achieve more than what he did. He probably lives that through me. It's nice to see how proud and happy he is. He's one of the few people that I listen to in football. He's played a really important role in my life and in football. He's got a little more complimentary as I've got older."

He added: "He's been the most important role model in my career. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be here. I got released from Rangers really young - it was tough, but it was him who gave me that feeling that if I do the work I can be a pro footballer and reach a World Cup. I owe him the world."

Will Ferguson's role be tweaked against Brazil?

Ferguson's game is built on energy and commitment, two traits he displayed immensely in Boston. Yet, filling a holding role has constrained his attacking influence somewhat, a factor illustrated late against Morocco when Kenny McLean's introduction offered fresh license to roam. McLean has also impressed during his substitute appearances, but could he be in line to start in order to allow Ferguson more freedom against Brazil?