Goal hero Kristoffer Syvertsen admits that he thought about hanging up his boots during a gruelling eight-month struggle with injury.
But he said that grabbing a last-gasp winner for Dumbarton against Alloa in front of friends who had travelled from Norway for the game made it worthwhile.
The former Clyde forward, who made his first appearance since August 11 as a late substitute against Montrose last week, stepped off the bench to win a penalty and score a dramatic winner against the Wasps – ensuring that the Sons stay within touching distance of Peterhead.
And speaking afterwards he opened up on his injury hell, that left him questioning if he’d ever play again.
The 23-year-old said: “Football has its ups and downs. But these moments make it worth it.
“Ninety percent of the things you experience in football are tough. But moments like that make it worthwhile.
“It’s been a couple of seasons where I’ve been struggling with my body. I’ve been in and out for a long time. I had come to a point medically where I considered if I could play or not.
“But right now I’m feeling positive. My body hasn’t been like this for a long, long time. It’s been challenging as a footballer. But the bigger the struggles the better a moment like this feels.”
Syvertsen’s winner was made even more special by the fact he was able to celebrate with friends who had flown over from his homeland for the game.
He explained: “I had my friends in the stand as well and they were standing right where I was going to celebrate. It was some experience.
“My friends came over from Norway on Saturday morning and were staying for the weekend. The emotions and the adrenalin was out of this world at that moment. I really, really enjoyed that moment.”
Gaffer Stevie Farrell added that he hopes to see Syvertsen become a key player in Sons’ battle to avoid the drop.
He said: “I’m delighted for the kid because he’s been through a really tough time. I’d worked against Kris for a number of years when he was with Clyde and I knew his qualities.
“Technically he’s as good as you’ll see at this level, as he shows winning the penalty, his footwork is frightening, and that’s something I know he has in his locker. That’s why I signed him.
“The lad’s had a terrible run of injuries, but this is the fittest and strongest he’s looked in a number of years.
“Hopefully we’re going to get more of what he gave us against Alloa over the last four games.”
