Barry Ferguson has detailed the despair his nephew Lewis faced following his release by Rangers as a youngster.
The Scotland international did not let that setback from his boyhood heroes stop him though, with the midfielder's career going from strength to strength.
Ex-Ibrox skipper Ferguson has backed the Bologna star to earn another big-money move in the near future.
His relation, 24, came through the ranks at Rangers as he followed in his uncle Barry and his dad Derek's footsteps at Auchenhowie.
Things didn't work out in the Gers academy for Ferguson though, as he then joined Hamilton. He gained vital first-team experience in Lanarkshire before joining Aberdeen and subsequently Bologna.
He started for the national side as Steve Clarke's side lost 4-1 to France last night.
And Barry reckons it won't be long before his nephew kicks on again, as he reflected on the adversity he faced as a teenager.
He told Go Radio's Football Show: "Listen, it was tough for him as a young boy getting let go by Rangers. That was his team. You can go one or two ways. He decided to go to Hamilton, he worked hard and forced his way in as a young boy and did really well by getting that move to Aberdeen.
"I think Derek McInnes was a big factor in his career. He was brilliant with him and put him straight into the Aberdeen first-team. He's very mature and speaks better than his dad and his uncle - that's for sure. He's very grounded and he's made that move [to Italy].
"He's gone to a different country, out of his comfort zone and settled very quickly. Last year he had a really good season and this year they've made him captain the last three games, so that tells you how far he's come as a footballer and as a human being.
"I just hope he keeps improving and if he keeps playing the way he is at this moment in time, I'm not being disrespectful to Bologna, but I don't think he'll be there much longer.
"Could he be in England? Yeah, he's one of those guys where if it's right for him, he'll go. He's proven he's not scared to go to a different country. It's scary, he's gone over there himself and now his girlfriend and young baby are over with him.
"But to go out there yourself, it takes a look and he's gone and done it and proven what a real good footballer he is."
