St Johnstone star Callum Hendry admits he was ready to quit football before his Braveheart dad intervened.
The 22-year-old, son of former Scotland skipper Colin, has been a revelation for Saints this season, bagging nine goals in 27 appearances including a recent stunner in a breathless 2-2 draw against Rangers.
However, it has not always been plain sailing for Hendry Jr, who has already suffered two major knee ligament injuries in his career and was released by Blackburn as a kid.
And, in a Q&A with the club’s supporters, he admitted that only the influence of his father stopped him from walking away from the game altogether.
“He [Colin Hendry] was the biggest influence,” he wrote. “When I was younger I took a year out and he was the one who pushed me to get back into it.
“When I had trouble with injuries he helped me through it and always tried to keep my mindset positive.
“When I was young and I had injury troubles and wasn’t able to play I did at times wonder if it was worth it.
“I’d get down but he always said that once I got fit and started playing regularly, I’d see the happiness football would give me.
“He was right. Being able to do something you love as your job. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. How many kids dream of it? I’m living that dream now.
“I go into work every day and play football with my pals – it’s brilliant.”
