New Dundee signing Scott Bain has revealed that he really laboured his way back to full-time football.
The 22-year-old goalie was let go by Aberdeen three years ago and became Paul Hartley’s first signing as Alloa boss.
While grateful for the chance, Bain said it was difficult going part-time and having to find work outwith football with a joinery firm.
However, he decided last year to jack in the job to focus solely on football and the move has paid off, with Hartley who believes Bain has the potential to go right to the top signing him once again.
Bain said: “I am over the moon about joining Dundee. It has been a lot of hard work over the last three years but it has paid off.
“My main aim when I got released by Aberdeen was to get back full-time as quickly as possible.
“Going part-time was a big adjustment at the start. I had to get a job which wasn’t great. I was working for a joinery company just labouring, doing bits and bobs. My dad Neil works for the company and he helped me get in.
“But last year, I quit my job to solely focus on football. I trained every day and it has paid off.
“It has been tough and a lot of games. I think I played about 120 games for Alloa and I was also on loan at Elgin so you are talking about 130 games at the age of 22.
“I don’t think there will be many young goalkeepers out there who have played so many matches. It is going to stand me in good stead.
“Now though, I am really looking forward to getting started here. This is what it’s all about, being full-time with a big club like Dundee.”
Bain admitted he is looking forward to working with current Dark Blues No 1 Kyle Letheren.
However, he insisted he is determined to take the jersey from the big Welshman.
Bain added: “I have spoken to Kyle a couple of times and he is a good lad.
“I am not comfortable coming here just to make up the numbers. I am here to fight to try to get that No 1 jersey.”