Aberdeen talisman Lewis Ferguson tipped to succeed Scott Brown and Celtic and emulate Rangers hero

The all-round attributes of Aberdeen’s Lewis Ferguson mean he is good enough to succeed Scott Brown at Celtic and have a career as stellar as his uncle, Barry Ferguson, who earned 15 winners’ medals and captained both Rangers and Scotland.

Aberdeen's Lewis Ferguson challenged by Tom Rogic in last week's 3-3 draw between the Scottish Cup semi-finalists in which the Pittodire midfielder netted twice from the spot (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

That is the belief of Paul Hartley, who had spells for both the clubs contesting the second Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden, an occasion that will pit 22-year-old Ferguson against 35-year-old Celtic captain Brown.

"One day, someone will need to replace Scott Brown. I am not saying Celtic should come and sign Lewis Ferguson, but what I am saying is he's as good as anyone in the top flight right now,” said the Cove Rangers manager of a player steeped in the game, with his father Derek Ferguson enjoying a fruitful career most notable for stints at the Ibrox club, Hearts and Sunderland.

“Lewis is good enough and he does remind me of Scott Brown a little bit. He can mix it up. He's not scared and he is a tough cookie. He relishes the battle whoever he comes up against. Nothing fazes him. He is turning into a top player and I wouldn't rule out him getting in the Scotland set-up in the next few years.

He is good enough and he does remind me of Scott Brown a little bit. He can mix it up. He's not scared and he is a tough cookie. He relishes the battle whoever he comes up against. Nothing fazes him. He has a really good mentality and is adding different types of goals to his game.

"Lewis is captain material too and he is a good professional. He has come from a good background with his dad and uncle. He knows what football is about and although he's a quiet lad, on the pitch you know when he's there. The name doesn't seem to be a burden for him and he could end up just as good as Derek and Barry. He has so many games under his belt at a young age and I'm sure he takes a lot of advice from them. They'll tell him the pitfalls but he looks like he wants it. He is working under a good manager in Derek McInnes and he will do well.”

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