I grew up with Billy Gilmour at Rangers and now we can lead Scotland into a bright new future

Lewis Ferguson believes he and childhood friend Billy Gilmour can lead Scotland's midfield into the future under new national team manager Sebastien Pocognoli. The former Rangers academy teammates paired up in a 3-4-1-2 formation during Pocognoli's debut match, securing a Nations League draw in Slovenia. Both Serie A-based players have bounced back from significant knee injuries that previously kept them out of major international tournaments.

Ferguson, who captains Bologna, praised Gilmour's performances for Napoli following the midfielder's recent goal against Fiorentina. Ferguson also addressed summer transfer speculation linking him with an emotional return to Rangers, noting that he ignored the rumors while spending time with his family after the World Cup and remains focused on adapting to recent coaching changes.