LEWIS FERGUSON believes his move to Bologna can help him reach the same heights as his fellow Scotland internationalists Andrew Robertson, Kieran Tierney and John McGinn.
The trio all played in the Premiership before moving down south for a crack at English football, and all three's transfer valuations run into the tens of millions these days.
Ferguson completed a move from Aberdeen to the Italian top flight last week and he insists the change in environment can help his game improve significantly.
“Over the past five years or so the national team has grown and become a strong team," the 22-year-old told the Italian media.
“There is loads of talent with players playing in top leagues from the Premiership to Serie A and beyond.
"Players like Tierney, Robertson and McGinn who are top level players in the national team and I hope by making this move to Bologna I can develop into a top player alongside these guys.”
Former Hearts defender Aaron Hickey left Bologna a week or so before Ferguson joined as the full-back sealed an £18million move to Brentford but the pair were have been in contact.
Hickey enjoyed two succesful seasons in Serie A before moving on and gave his Scotland team-mate the low down on what to expect - although, as Ferguson explained, he already knew a fair bit about the league.
“The guys have been really welcoming. Most speak English and they have made it easy to fit in. I have also spoken to Aaron before coming here.
"He was really positive about the city, the people and the football club. He made it clear that it was the right move for me.
"I have watched a lot of Italian football. I watched the highlights of Bologna because Aaron Hickey was here and I liked to see how he was doing.
“I love watching the Italian national team because they are really passionate. I enjoy watching it on the television when I am back home.
“The Italians are really passionate about their football and it is something I like.”
