Former Saints and Celtic talent Aaron Healy wants to weave his way into the top flight after sealing an impressive move to the Spiders.
The Arthurlie teenager almost fell out of love with the game after being told he was too small to make it as a kid at Parkhead.
After a spell with St Mirren, it was a profitable move back home with Barrhead side Arthurlie that’s seen the 19-year-old picked up by high-flying Championship side Queen’s Park.
And now the flying winger is determined to grab his full-time opportunity with the ambitious club as they look to jump up into the Premiership this season.
After agreeing a move to Owen Coyle's in-form side in January, Healy insists he’ll keep giving everything he can for Arthurlie, who have helped him realise his full-time potential.
Speaking exclusively to Renfrewshire Live Sport, he said: “I definitely owe Arthurlie a lot. They’ve helped me get my confidence back.
“I was at Celtic for five years up until I was about 12 but it didn’t work out. They said I was too small, at a point when guys like Messi and Xavi were at their peak.
“I was deflated when I was released. I went to St Mirren and enjoyed my time there but as I was approaching the reserves I just wasn’t enjoying it anymore.
“I took a step back to join Barrhead and then joined Arthurlie. To be moving to Queen’s Park and be going full-time in January is honestly a bit surreal.
“I didn’t know if it was ever going to happen. It’s a really exciting project at Queen’s and I can’t wait to get going. I haven’t contributed to the first half of their season, but I’ll do all I can to help when I do join.
“Until then I’ve got five or six weeks left with Arthurlie and I’ll be doing my best for them. I owe them my best, especially the boss who has always had faith in me and reassured me every single week.”
Arthurlie manager Craig Palmer admits it’s a big blow to be losing one of his best players halfway through their first season back in the WoSFL Premier Division.
He is nonetheless delighted for the Barrhead boy who he believes has the right attributes to go all the way to the top of the Scottish game.
Palmer said: “It’s a tremendous move for Aaron and one I fully expected to happen at some point.
“He had a lot of interest previously from the likes of Stirling Albion and Dumbarton, but I always thought his next move should be full-time. I’m sad to lose him, but I’m glad it’s the right level for him to move to.
“He’s a real talent and he’s so hard to stop when he gets going. I don’t think I can replace him like-for-like, he’s such a special talent.
“The ability is all there and, if he keeps working hard, I’ve no doubt he’ll do really well for Queen’s Park.”
READ MORE:
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here
