Aberdeen’s Lewis Ferguson among young Scots eyeing a call-up to the senior squad

Billy Gilmour is the kid fans want to see graduate from Scotland’s Under-21s to the senior side.

But Lewis Ferguson insists the Chelsea starlet isn’t the only young hopeful targeting a spot in Steve Clarke’s squad.

Scot Gemmill’s youngsters aim to keep their European Championship campaign motoring in the Czech Republic tomorrow after a disappointing midweek draw with Lithuania.

Gilmour turned in yet another standout performance in midfield at Tynecastle against the stuffy Lithuanians.

But Ferguson, who was another top performer, believes the young Scots have a raft of players ready to step up.

“Everyone in the changing room is doing their best to get us to the finals,” said the Aberdeen midfielder.

“After that, we will maybe be looking up the way. That’s where we are aiming to go.

“We are all there for a reason. They are all top players and the next level is obviously the Senior squad.

“So every boy in the dressing room, they know what’s next.

“They have seen the likes of Scott McKenna and Oli McBurnie move up from the 21s. That’s the level you want to be at.

“Everyone is working towards that, everyone wants to play for their country, and everyone is more than capable if they do their best, if they work hard and do everything right.

“I am pretty sure a few boys from this campaign will make the cut.”

As a midfielder himself, Ferguson knows competition for places is fierce at senior level. The middle of the park is the one area Scotland seem to be blessed with an abundance of talent.

But rather than being daunted, the Dons star is inspired.

“The quality in Scotland’s midfield at the moment is top level,” he said.

“Premier League players, Scottish Premiership players winning trophies, that’s what you look up to. That’s the level you want to be at. That’s what we are focused on.

“So although we are all trying to do well in this campaign and get through to the Finals, it is obviously there in the back of our minds that the next step is the top team.”

That is not something Ferguson has to concern himself with at club level.

Even without the injury crisis that has rocked Aberdeen this season, he would have been a certain starter.

At just 20, he has been forced to act as the “old head” in the Dons’ midfield.

But he is confident that when more-experienced players return, the Reds will improve.

“It’s been tough and our more-important players have been injured this season,” said the former Hamilton Accies man.

“Every season you’re going to have injuries here and there, but this season we’ve been done by a couple in the same area.

“Taylor and McKenna were out at centre-half. Then obviously in the middle of the park with Bryso (Craig Bryson) and Funso Ojo being injured is a blow.

“You need to stick together as a team in these times, and when they do come back, it will be a boost.

“But it’s a good dressing room and we will work through it.”