Krister Tobers could have ended up at either Celtic or Rangers years before eventually making his move to the SPFL.
The 24-year-old signed for Aberdeen at the weekend, joining the Dons for a fee of £700,000 from Grasshoppers in Switzerland.
He made his Pittodrie debut in the weekend stalemate against Hearts and is set to line up for Jimmy Thelin's men when they arrive at Ibrox on Wednesday evening.
Scottish coach Gordon Young came across Tobers' potential when he played for FK Liepaja in his native Latvia, aged 17 at the time. It was here that he recommended him to Glasgow's big two in 2017.
Ex-Liepaja boss Young told the Scottish Sun: “In Latvia, club bosses always look to sell their home-grown talent as quickly as possible.
“Kristers was just 17 at the time, but I’d quickly recognised his talent and potential and I made him my captain.
“He relished the opportunity and, in many ways, it aided his development in those formative years.
“After we qualified for the Europa League it came time to try and sell him, so I put him on the Celtic and Rangers' radar.
“I mentioned him to a few teams down south and Sheffield United were one of the others showing an interest.
“Up here, Rangers were keen, to the point his flights were booked and it was all arranged that he would spend a week on trial in Glasgow where he’d also take in a first-team match.
“Then, as luck would have it, Kristers picked up an injury and that was that.
“I remember feeling so sorry for him at the time, but it goes to show he hasn’t let that early setback affect him at all.
“I’ve absolutely no doubt he’ll do well for Aberdeen. He’ll be a terrific signing."
