The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Rangers reject Fergie proves nemesis for club in semi
Lewis Ferguson was shown the door at Rangers at the tender age of 14 after being told he was not good enough.
Since that day he has been intent on proving he is and boy did he pick the perfect moment to prove it.
Ten minutes were remaining in a frantic Betfred Cup semi-final when Ferguson rose high to beat Allan McGregor with a bullet header and give the Dons a famous win against Steven Gerrard’s Rangers side at Hampden.
The 19-year-old celebrated his winning goal and it was clear how much it meant to him after the game.
He said: “I was there as a young boy for five years from nine years old until 14 but then I got released.
“They said I wasn’t good enough for them so I took that on the chin and I moved on and the likes of my dad and in particular George Cairns who is the head of youth at Hamilton Accies sparked my career.
“George turned me into a real player and always gave me confidence when I needed it so he’s played a big part in my career so far.
“It was hard being told I wasn’t good enough but it happens to a lot of boys who get released at a young age and that just gave me the motivation to prove them wrong.
“I can’t really remember who made the decision – I was just a young boy – but my dad got a phone call.
“My dad told me when I was released that that wasn’t the end of it and I had to go away and prove those people wrong who felt I wasn’t good enough.
“That’s just what I’m trying to do – I’m just trying to be my best.”
Rangers runs through the blood of the Ferguson family. After all, his father Derek and uncle Barry both played for the Ibrox club.
But when it came to yesterday’s semi-final, proud dad Derek was 100% behind his son and his team.
Lewis said: There was a lot of talk about what side my dad would be in but he was in the Aberdeen section.
“He’ll always support me and I’m just delighted to put a smile on his face. There certainly won’t be any debate over who he and all my pals will be supporting in the final.”