Nicky Cadden was left gutted after being knocked back by Motherwell - but he says it's a crucial part of his journey.
The 25-year-old is flying high at League Two side Forest Green Rovers after a 2020 move south following a fruitful spell at Scottish Championship side Morton.
It's not been all plain-sailing for Cadden. Just as brother Chris - now at Hibs - got a professional deal at Motherwell, he was knocked back.
Joining Airdrie to build up his senior experience, he has gone on to win Premiership promotion with Livingston and is now on course for a title in England.
Speaking on the 14th episode of the Lanarkshire Live Sport Podcast , wing-back Cadden says his teen rejection at Fir Park was tough, but the making of him.
He said: "I came up through Motherwell before going part-time at Airdrie and going to college. I was doing accountancy in Glasgow - I have a different life now!
"I never got a professional contract at Motherwell and it was hard for me. Chris got one and I didn't. I was trying to be happy for him, but at the same time, thinking about what I was going to do.
"I had to get it in my head the dream wasn't over and I worked hard. It's paid off for me. I have had a lot of adversity in football, but I don't think I'd be where I am now if I did get that full-time deal at Motherwell."
Forest Green are 10 points clear the top of League Two with as many as two games in hand over those around them.
Cadden added: "The goal is promotion. The title would be nice but the top three promotion spots is the main aim.
"Once you get that, you can start looking to winning the league. There's massive teams in League Two. I played at Bradford City and there were 15,000 fans there.
"Tranmere have about 10,000 and this is what you want to do, play at big stadiums against good teams."
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