Ferguson could star at Ibrox... but should stay put for now, insists Park
LEWIS FERGUSON has both the ability and mentality required to follow in the footsteps of his famous father Derek and uncle Barry and play in the Rangers midfield if the Ibrox club move for Aberdeen youngster during the summer transfer window.
But the 20-year-old, who was this week named SFWA Young Player of the Year after an outstanding 2019/20 season, has been urged to stay at Pittodrie, play regular football and take his game to the next level.
Donald Park, the former Hibernian, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Hearts assistant manager, worked with Ferguson during his time as Scotland Under-19 coach and was greatly impressed with his attitude and technique.
“I wasn’t aware of Lewis until I took the under-19s, but George Cairns at Hamilton recommended him very highly,” he said. “He came in and did great. He settled in very well, immediately became a part of the squad and played in a variety of positions for us.
“He was very comfortable within the central positions in midfield and became an important part of that team. He was good defensively, but good getting forward as well. He was very good at winning free-kicks. Plus, he was a really good kid.
“It has been great to see him progressing at Hamilton and Aberdeen and I think he deserves the Young Player of the Year award.”
Park continued: “He has got a great ability of make well-timed forward runs if he is given that freedom. But he has been asked to sit and play a holding role for Aberdeen. He has a few strings to his bow.
“People don’t really say ‘he’s like his father’ or ‘he’s like his uncle’ because he’s become a player in his own right. He has a strong mentality and can deal with people always referring to them. It can be more of a hindrance than a help.
“He has obviously got good genes and I’m sure has received lots of excellent advice as he has made his way in the game. But sometimes the pressure of having a famous father can be great. I just hope he keeps on progressing and goes to the next level, which I’m sure he can, because he young.”
Park believes that Hamilton, who have been responsible for a veritable production line of exceptional young players over the years that has included Eamon Brophy, Greg Docherty, James McArthur and James McCarthy, must take credit for how well he has fared.
“The reason why Hamilton do so well is because they develop young players, give them first team football and are delighted when they move on,” he said. “There is no substitute for playing first team football. They have to play against opponents who are stronger and quicker.”
Rumours about Rangers moving for Ferguson have abounded in recent weeks and Park is confident he would not be out is still very of place alongside the likes of Scott Arfield, Ryan Jack and Glen Kamara if that happens.
But he has seen how Docherty, Jake Hastie and Ross McCrorie have had to go out on loan to get game time and feels he would be best served remaining in the north-east for the time being.
“I don’t think there is any doubt Lewis could play at Rangers,” he said. “He has proved that at Aberdeen. I am sure Derek [McInnes] thinks he is as good as any of the Rangers players.
“The hard part for him will be getting the opportunities at such a big club as a young player.
“I think he should stay where he is and see what the future brings.”