Tears and triumphs – being a Scotland international’s dad

Five domestic medals and representing your country. A career to be proud of, certainly. What could top it? Your son emulating your success, of course.

That’s the case for Derek Ferguson, the former Rangers and Scotland midfielder whose son Lewis has become something of a cult hero in Italy.

The 25-year-old Bologna captain and midfielder helped end the club’s 51-year wait for a major trophy with victory in the Coppa Italia final against AC Milan.

Rumours now link the Scotland cap with Juventus, but Ferguson senior has urged his son to enjoy his recent success for now.

“I cried like a big baby at the final whistle,” Ferguson told BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound. “I just burst out greeting.

“When I hugged him, I wouldn’t let him go. He’s probably not used to that. To see the joy in his face and his team-mates, because they’re a great bunch of lads.

“Some players go through their whole career and they don’t win anything. You’ve got to savour these moments.

“I get a big excited. That’s the best night, best footballing night or day of my life. I won a few cups, a couple of league titles, but I never felt anything like that. It was just a special moment.

“We were allowed on to the park, which was quite surreal. The Bologna fans were still in, they were still singing. We’ve got some great pictures. He’s very happy where he is. Extremely happy.”