ST JOHNSTONE signing George Hunter watched Stevie May win a move to Sheffield Wednesday and Scotland honours on the back of last season's Scottish Cup win.
And the 18-year-old admitted that weighed heavily on his mind when he chose Saints ahead of interest from Hearts, Hibs and Rangers.
Former Musselburgh Juniors starlet Hunter was being monitored by a clutch of clubs after his goal scoring exploits for Lowland League club Spartans' development league squad.
But impressed Perth boss Tommy Wright moved in with the offer of a full-time contract through to 2017.
Hunter said: "I have been in for two weeks now and have really enjoyed it. There's a great bunch of lads here and they've all been really good with me.
"I wanted to come here because I felt I'd have a better chance of making the breakthrough at St Johnstone.
"When the manager brought me in I was training with the first team immediately so that was a huge boost to my confidence.
"I was in at Hearts and Hibs as well but I just got a good feel about being here.
"I've been in training with guys like James McFadden, which is brilliant because he's been one of the best players for Scotland in years.
"The fact the manager just threw me straight in with the first team showed me that he's not scared to give young boys a chance if you work hard enough.
"And when you look at St Johnstone bringing through Stevie May and now Chris Kane in the last few years, it's obviously a great place for young players to learn."
Hunter admits he is far from the finished article but he is eager to grab his chance at Perth.
"I've scored 34 goals in 14 games this season, but that's in the past now. I was with Livingston after school but it didn't work out there because I broke my leg and was out for six months.
"They released me so I signed for Spartans and that was a great move for me. They're a great club and everyone there was really supportive. They gave me a chance and I've ended up here, so it has been a pretty amazing few months.
"But the real hard work starts now. I've got a two and a half year contract so the club obviously believe in me. It will be down to me to take this chance now and I can only do that by working hard and listening to what the coaches say.
"Guys have come from the Juniors and clubs like Spartans in the last few years and gone on to be a success, so hopefully I can grab the opportunity I have been given."
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