LEWIS FERGUSON had waited almost a year to pull on a Scotland jersey again.
When the moment arrived, the Bologna midfielder showed everyone what a top operator he has become.
Steve Clarke didn’t have a single failure in Greece on Thursday night.
It was an outstanding team performance that typified the Scotland manager’s reign.
But Ferguson made his mark with a classy, complete midfield display in the 1-0 win.
Still only 25, the former Hamilton and Aberdeen star has had to graft for everything in his career.
He had a setback as a kid when he was released by Rangers, before progressing at Accies and winning a move to Pittodrie.
When Bologna came calling, Ferguson had the bravery to move out of his comfort zone and go to Serie A.
Then, just when he was playing the best football of his career, he suffered that brutal ACL injury.
He missed the Euros with Scotland and some big Champions League games with Bologna.
It must have been devastating for Ferguson but he worked to get himself back into peak condition.
Clarke has always admired the midfielder and had plans for him at the Euros.
We will never know whether Scotland would have fared better in the finals had he been fit.
Before Thursday night, Ferguson’s last cap came against Northern Ireland last March.
But it didn’t surprise me that Clarke put him into the team at the first possible opportunity.
This isn’t a criticism of his former clubs or coaches, but Ferguson has improved massively in Italy.
He was always a good player and would catch the eye with his running from the midfield area.
Yet you watch Ferguson now and he can do everything.
He gets on the ball, he takes care of it, he gets forward and can chip in with a goal or assist.
As we saw in Greece, Ferguson also doesn’t mind putting his foot in and doing the dirty stuff.
Clarke has so much talent at his disposal in that midfield area but the 25-year-old can establish himself as a regular from now on.
Ferguson offers Scotland so much and his background, and the fact he’s had to work through those setbacks, has helped mould him into the player he is.
But the same can be said for the entire squad – it’s an ego-free zone.
Take the team that started on Thursday.
From Craig Gordon in goal to Che Adams up front, they have all had to deal with knocks to get to this level.
Tony Ralston is another prime example. He rarely plays for Celtic and there will always be people out there saying he’s not good enough for Scotland.
But despite his lack of club action, he never put a foot wrong against the Greeks.
Ralston was outstanding and that’s because he looks after himself and makes sure he is in the right condition to play for Scotland when called upon.
John Souttar and Grant Hanley were immense at centre back.
Between them, they have had four ruptured Achilles in their careers.
That can be the end for some players but they have both put in the hard yards to get back into the Scotland team.
Souttar, after colossal displays against Fenerbahce and Celtic, was rock-solid against Greece and is now the No1 central defender.
It’s been less than a year since he missed out on the Euros squad but you would never know with the way he’s bounced back.
Souttar’s own story is incredible but you can look through that entire Scotland squad and see a similar theme.
From rejections as youngsters to career-threatening injuries, they have been through it all.
Yet, they have battled that adversity and are now doing their nation proud as they prepare to push for World Cup qualification.
Don’t forget the manager in all of this either. Clarke is another one who has taken hits along the way.
Having worked wonders with West Brom in the Premier League, he found himself at a career crossroads in 2017.
It still amazes me that Kilmarnock were able to lure a coach of his quality to Rugby Park that summer.
For Clarke, it was a decision that set him back on the path to operating at the highest level – which he always should have been.
GREECE VS SCOTLAND – MAN-BYS
Craig Gordon Veteran keeper won his 80th cap and had to be alert in the second half as Greece piled pressure on. Big clean sheet for the Hearts man. 8
Anthony Ralston Celtic full-back should have been rusty after very little club action but put in a superb shift. Did just enough to put off Christos Tzolis as he hit the post. 8
John Souttar Took his solid Rangers form onto the international scene. Forced to defend his box constantly in the second half but stood tall in a no-nonsense display. 8
Grant Hanley Big defender was making his 60th Scotland appearance and breathed a sigh of relief after a late penalty award was overturned by VAR. Strong performance. 8
Andy Robertson Moved third on Scotland’s all-time cap list with No81 and ensured it was a memorable night with a big away win. Calmed things during a frantic second period. 7
Billy Gilmour Little midfielder tried to dictate the play and wasted a chance to make it 2-0 after hesitating. Guilty of some slack passes but willingness to take ball was crucial. 7
Kenny McLean Experienced midfielder gave his usual no-frills performance beside Gilmour in the central area. Put in a big defensive shift before being replaced with 15 remaining. 7
John McGinn Usual bustling display from the Scotland midfielder and was at the heart of many attacks. Powered a drive over the bar on a rare second-half break. 7
Scott McTominay Won and then converted a first-half penalty as he ignored the lasers from the Greek fans. Took some heavy treatment from Greek players but had the last laugh. 7
Lewis Ferguson Back in a Scotland jersey for the first time in a year and played off left flank. Worked tirelessly and didn’t give the Greeks any time on the ball. Booked. 7
Che Adams Tough shift as lone striker but should have scored when he rushed his shot after a Greek mix-up in first half. Fed off scraps in the second period. 7
SUBS: KIERAN TIERNEY (5) operated ahead of Andy Robertson on the left flank for the closing stages. GEORGE HIRST (5) Ipswich star came on to make his debut for the last 15. RYAN PORTEOUS (3) put in a late tackle moments after coming on. MAX JOHNSTON (2) another late debutant.
I’ve said it time and again, but he is one of the best in the business. Scotland are lucky to have him.
His critics will point to Scotland’s failure in the Euros last summer and I understand that. It wasn’t good enough.
But having worked with him, I know that he will have been harder on himself than anyone else was.
Scotland’s results were poor for a period but Clarke, and the players, deserve credit for the way they’ve turned things around.
The draw with Portugal and wins over Croatia and Poland restored optimism around the national team.
Thursday’s impressive win over Greece has only strengthened the view that Scotland are in a good place ahead of the World Cup campaign.
In the first half, the team showed they can play. In the second half, they showed they are willing to win ugly if necessary.
Greece are a good side with plenty of individual talent but I would fancy Scotland to get the job done.
It might not be easy at Hampden and there could be a setback along the way, but you always know this squad can bounce back.
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