BARRY FERGUSON knows the difference between a good midfielder and a great one. That is the transition that Scott McTominay is making for club and country.
The former Rangers captain - and the new manager of League One side Alloa Athletic - tuned in to the Europa League final on Wednesday evening and saw a Scot run the show from midfield.
McTominay's efforts may not have been enough to earn Manchester United the silverware but they were further affirmation of his growth as a player as he once again impressed on the big stage.
The midfielder has become a key man at Old Trafford and now he will be expected to deliver at Hampden and Wembley as Steve Clarke looks to lead Scotland out of their group at the European Championships this summer.
Ferguson said: ‘I watched the Europa League final and Scott McTominay was great.
"He outshone Paul Pogba, a World Cup winner, in the Europa League final. He’s a top quality player, no doubt about it.
"I’ve always thought he was a good player but the last 12 months or so he’s gone up a notch or two.
"I think 12 to 18 months ago he was a good player but now he’s one of the top performers for Manchester United.
"He’s turned into a big game player. That’s very similar to Darren Fletcher when he was at Manchester United.
"He was always one of the first picks for the really big games. And that’s what McTominay is now, a big game player for Manchester United.
Solskjaer: "Scott McTominay was absolutely outstanding out there. He was for me, the best player on the pitch." pic.twitter.com/3vvlHIqMCv
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) May 26, 2021
"I thought he was excellent in the middle of a back three for Scotland but I prefer him in the middle of the park.
"I think he will be used in midfield by Scotland at the Euros. I’m really disappointed for Ryan Jack getting injured because he’s another player who has gone up a couple of levels and he is so important for Rangers and Scotland.
"But McTominay will be one of the main players for Scotland this summer.
"I think Steve Clarke made a comment during the triple header that he was the best player he had worked with in the international set-up."
If Scotland are to achieve their ambition of qualifying from a section that includes England, Croatia and the Czech Republic this summer, Clarke will need his main men to stand up and be counted in each of their Group D encounters.
🗣 'It's pretty certain Scott McTominay will be a midfield player for this campaign.'
— PLZ Soccer (@PLZSoccer) May 20, 2021
Steve Clarke says Scott McTominay will play in central midfield for Scotland at EURO 2020.
- With @ArnoldClark pic.twitter.com/GOBmppwtlc
Clarke is not short of quality options in the middle of the park ahead of the Euros and McTominay will join up with the squad in fine form and high spirits after another excellent campaign for United.
Ferguson said: "What you hear in the football world is he’s a top professional and he’s certainly a top player.
READ MORE: Barry Ferguson makes Billy Gilmour Scotland and Chelsea starting predictions ahead of Euros bow
"He’s got everything. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s powerful, he can pass the ball and he’s started to add goals.
"You don’t play at a club like Manchester United if you don’t have a top class mentality. I cant speak highly enough about Scott McTominay.
"Just look at our midfield area. It’s full of top players and McTominay is one of them. John McGinn is another.
"Callum McGregor would probably admit himself he’s not had the best of seasons but he’s another top player. And then there’s the wee man from Chelsea."
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