Lewis Ferguson insists quiet kid Calvin Ramsay will take his first venture as a full international in his stride - because he’s used to mixing with some of the world’s best players every day.
The former Aberdeen team-mates will link-up for the first time since leaving Pittodrie in summer deals which netted the Dons close to a combined £10million. While the Bologna midfielder is looking to win his fifth cap, it’s a first call-up for Liverpool ace Ramsay coming hot on the heels of his full Anfield debut last week.
With no Aaron Hickey, Anthony Ralston or Nathan Patterson in Diyarikbar then the rookie right-back could be in line for minutes. And if Steve Clarke opts to pitch the 19-year-old straight in against Turkiye on Wednesday night then he’ll have no problem handling the occasion, according to Ferguson. Not when he’s now used to sharing a dressing room with Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and co.
Ferguson said: “I’m really happy for Calvin. He’s still young and with a lot to learn but he’s at a massive club with top players round about him and a top manager as well.
“He’ll get on pretty well there and won’t have any issues in terms of learning. I’m delighted to see him called up to the squad because he is a top player and has the potential to be really, really good.
“Hopefully he can leave a good impression on the manager and be in future squads. He will take this in his stride.
“Having spent the last couple of years with Calvin I know him quite well. He’s a quiet lad but confident when he’s on the pitch. You can see that in his performances.
“His character and personality is well equipped to come up to this level. It won’t phase him too much. He’s been in at Liverpool for four or five months so he’ll be used to big players. Coming into the squad for the first time will be a bit of a daunting experience but he’ll take it in his stride.”
Ferguson has had his own adjusting to do this season having swapped the Granite City for Italy’s Red City. Former Barcelona and PSG superstar Thiago Motta is the man he now calls boss at Bologna.
And the 23-year-old knows he can only improve under the Italian - even if the language barrier has yet to be properly broken down. He said: “The manager had an amazing career, playing at some massive clubs.
“I can vaguely remember him at PSG in the later stages of his career. Having someone who has played in that position with that career behind him is great for me to learn from.
“He speaks a little English but not enough and I can’t speak enough Italian that we can hold a proper conversation. But I can understand what he is saying before a game.
“The Italians like to use their hands a lot when they speak! That makes it a little easier because of their actions. It’s easy when we do video meetings because I can just watch the monitor. Same when he has the tactics board out.
“If ever there’s a time I need help then most of the boys speak English so I can always ask one of them and they’re great. Every three or four games here you’re coming up against top, top teams and players. You have to be on it, concentrated, there’s no margin for error against these players.
“If you leave a gap they’re going to hurt you. Just coming up against these players and realising the level I want to get to has been the biggest eye opener. It’s going to make me a better player. If I keep on improving it will enhance my chances of playing for the national team.
“I’m going to be coming up against some big teams and top players and testing myself in training every day as well. With that comes a better chance of playing for Scotland.”
READ NEXT
