Tartan Army fan who walked to Germany for Euros nominated for huge FIFA award

A BIG-HEARTED football fan who walked from Scotland to Germany for the Euros was stunned after being nominated for a top award.

Paisley lad Craig Ferguson, 20, embarked on the thousand-mile trek to raise awareness for men’s mental health.

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He strapped on his boots and specially made sports kilt and marched his way through six countries.

The kilt-clad Tartan Army fan raised over £77k for charity Brothers In Arms during his thousand-mile stride.

The travel-mad lad has even been made an ambassador for the charity.

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But Craig is now in the running for a major honour for his efforts.

FIFA have put him in the running for their Best Fan Award.

And the big hearted fan couldn’t believe his luck when he found out he had been shortlisted.

He told The Scottish Sun: “At first I thought this must be fake in all honesty, I couldn’t believe that my efforts had been noticed by FIFA themselves

“It feels surreal to me that a young enthusiastic Scotland fan like myself had a silly idea which spiralled into a movement raising a huge £80,000.

“And now to be getting recognition from the offical FIFA best awards is a dream that young me would have never believed.

“I feel as if with this nomination not only am I representing myself but representing the whole nation showcasing the kind hearted and warm nature that so many complimented us for in the summer.”

Craig was greeted by thousands of his fellow Tartan Army footsoldiers as he ended his 37-day journey and arrived in Munich.

He was handed a beer by jubilant supporters as he reached his destination.

His fight to raise awareness about men‘s mental health reached new heights when he was invited to speak at the British embassy.

And he was even rewarded with a pair of tickets so he could cheer on Scotland at the tournament.

The other fans nominated for the award are Cruz Azul supporter Jose Armando Guzman Mendoza who died from leukemia aged 14 in April.

His brave health fight inspired the Mexican side and his country.

Also in the running is eight-year-old Guilherme Gandra Moura from Brazil who suffers from a rare genetic condition and spent 16 days in a coma.

The clip of the young fan regaining consciousness and reuniting with his mum went viral online.

Craig reckons the award nomination will put Scotland in a good way internationally.

He added: “I will always do my best to represent Scotland in the best light possible and who knows maybe just maybe someone representing Scotlands national team is finally going to win something.”

FIFA said: “The FIFA Fan Award recognises that football supporters across the globe help make the beautiful game exactly that.

“The prize, which has been handed out since 2016, looks to highlight a story, a moment or a gesture by a fan or group of fans, irrespective of league, gender or nationality.