Lewis Ferguson teases Bologna return date as Scotland star gears up for Champions League debut

Lewis Ferguson has hinted he's targeted his return for a Bologna Champions League clash...just three weeks away.

The Scotland international has been out since suffering an ACL injury seven months ago which caused him to miss the European Championships in Germany. But he's approaching a return to full training and is hopeful of playing some part against Monaco in what would be his Champions League debut on November 6, after admitting how much it hurt him not playing for his country at a major tournament.

Ferguson said: "I don't care what match I come back for, I just want to get back on the pitch. Of course the Champions League is something I'm looking forward to playing in very much. I can't do it for Aston Villa next week, but who knows for the Monaco game...

"There is no specific day, but everything is going well and I think that from towards the end of the month, I will be able to start full training with the squad and, let's say two weeks to get on the bench. But it will take time to reach the level of last season, both physically and technically.

"After the operation, you can't move, you can't walk, you're unable to do anything. Of course, I was afraid of not going back to the level I was at before. Now, however, when I run, change direction or shoot, I feel confident and I no longer think about the bad things that went through my head. I'm not afraid anymore - the fear is gone.

"The first month after the operation, I couldn't walk. It was difficult to live a normal life for someone like me, used to training every day, running, doing my job. I'm a healthy person, this is my normal life.

"It was hell. I couldn't move, when I was in one position for too long I felt pain. In those moments the worst thoughts come to