FERGUSON'S ON A MISSION TO END HIS HOOPS HOODOO

LEWIS FERGUSON needs no extra motivation to get one over on Celtic.

- BY RYAN MCDONALD

Born and bred into a Rangers family, the Bologna midfielder has faced the Hoops 16 times across spells with Hamilton and Aberdeen without a single win to his name.

Now the Scotland star has a score to settle as he prepares to go toe-to-toe with Martin O'Neill's men in tonight's blockbuster Europa League showdown.

And while his winless run makes for grim reading, Ferguson insists it's never been something that's weighed on his mind - until now.

He said: "I've never really thought about it to be honest. Every time I've faced Celtic they've been strong, they've been really good.

"I've faced them a lot of times when I was at Aberdeen when we had a good team.

"They were always just better than us on the day. It was difficult, but they were such a good side and still are a really good team.

"But I'm obviously looking to go and change that stat. Maybe it doesn't look too good! 16 times but never won... so tomorrow I'll definitely be looking to change that.

"It was probably the first game I looked at when the draw came out. Obviously it being against Celtic it's nice to play against a Scottish team.