Celtic will come up against a familiar face when they take on Bologna in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
Lewis Ferguson, who represented Aberdeen and Hamilton during his days in Scotland, will be in Bologna colours trying to stop Martin O’Neill’s men from securing three points.
There will be many in the opposition dressing room, including manager Vincenzo Italiano, who would have done a lot of research on the champions of Scotland and how they have fared this season.
But Ferguson doesn’t need to go down such a road because he has been watching the action unfold at Celtic from afar, including the changes in the dugout and the recent sacking of Wilfried Nancy.
I think the score between Bologna and Celtic will be
Lewis Ferguson on what hasn’t changed with Celtic ahead of Bologna clash
Celtic have been a mess this season, and things were at their worst under Nancy, who was booted out the door after 33 days in charge.
During Ferguson’s pre-match Bologna press conference, he mentioned the change in coaches at Celtic and how it has created some iffy moments.
But Ferguson thinks, despite Nancy’s sacking and everything that has unfolded at Parkhead, one thing hasn’t changed, and that’s the fact Celtic are still a ‘strong’ outfit.
“They are a strong team,” said Ferguson. “Even if they are going through a bit of a so-so moment, and they have changed coaches a couple of times this season. But they are still strong.
“I have played against them many times. They have strong players who are still there and still playing. I know them better than the others.
“In my opinion, they are a strong team.”
The players who are still at Celtic the last time Ferguson faced the Hoops
The last time Ferguson faced Celtic was in the colours of Aberdeen in 2022.
At the time, Ange Postecoglou was in charge, and the Hoops would go on to win the contest 3-2 at Pittodrie, with Ferguson getting on the scoresheet.
But which Celtic players, who were in action back then, are still at the club now?
- Daizen Maeda
- Jota (injured)
- Reo Hatate
- Callum McGregor
- Cameron Carter-Vickers (injured)
- Anthony Ralston
- Liam Scales
- Stephen Welsh
- James Forrest
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