Ferguson: ‘On fire’ Rowe won’t think about Premier League move vs. Aston Villa

Ferguson: ‘On fire’ Rowe won’t think about Premier League move vs. Aston Villa

Scotland international Lewis Ferguson feels Bologna ‘still believe’ they can qualify for the Europa League semis despite a 3-1 loss against Aston Villa in the first leg and praises English winger Jonathan Rowe: ‘He’s on fire, our best player in the last three months.’

Bologna visit Aston Villa in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final this evening, but the Rossoblu must climb back from a 3-1 deficit.

“Anything can happen, and we still believe,” Ferguson told TNT Sports.

“A lot of people on the outside might think at 3-1 it has finished the tie, but there are still 90 minutes to play and we’ve not given up. We’ve got nothing to lose now. We will give it absolutely everything.”

“We definitely have to take the positives,” Ferguson continued.

“Large parts of the game we dominated and that’s not easy against a side like Villa. Especially the first half, we created a good few chances, the one off the bar, the goal disallowed, a goal could have changed the game at that point and then we go in at half-time 1-0 down after conceding from a set piece.

“Overall, we were really frustrated, but at this level it’s fine lines. It’s moments that cost us because over the piece we were good enough to get a decent result.”

English winger Rowe scored Bologna’s only goal in the reverse fixture, and Ferguson was full of praise for the ex-Norwich talent.

“In the last three months, he’s been on fire. He’s been our best player. He’s the sort of guy we look to make the difference in games,” Ferguson said.

“He’s a funny character off the pitch. I’m trying to keep his feet on the ground. He’s been excellent; he’s one of those guys who can win you games, and when I speak about fine margins and moments, he’s the kind of guy who can make the difference.

“He’s such a good out-ball to have on that side because we know when he receives the ball, something is going to happen. He can create, score goals, assist, he’s got everything to be a top player.”