Gwion Edwards migrated north, comfortable in the knowledge that making a nest for himself in Perth would offer the opportunity to spread his wings across Europe.
However, the notion of returning to more familiar surroundings, albeit briefly, still causes a flutter within the talented young midfielder.
A Wales under-21 internationalist, he rejoined St Johnstone in June on a six-month long loan from Swansea City having made seven substitute appearances for the McDiarmid Park club last season. And, while his contribution from the bench in the club's historic win over Rosenborg in a Europa League second round qualifier on Thursday was a career highlight for the 20-year-old, he retains hope of forcing his way into Tommy Wright's plans for their next round tie with FC Minsk on Thursday.
The St Johnstone manager watched the winger use his pace to good effect in their 1-0 defeat by Morecambe in a friendly on Saturday, with Edwards one of the few fringe players to offer up a positive from the stale encounter. The focus for the Welshman will now be to try and oust one of last Thursday's heroes from the team, though, with the prospect of coming up against his parent club at a later stage in the competition enough to bring a smile to Edwards' face.
"I don't think I'll be able to play in it if we did get them but it would be good," he said. "I got a few text messages saying well done from the boys at Swansea. Obviously they are looking forward to their game on Thursday as well [against Malmo]. One or two said 'Could you imagine if we came up against you?' But what are the chances? You never know, in the group stages we maybe could if we both got there."
Despite the fanciful thoughts of a tie with the League Cup winners, the level-headed youngster is reluctant to let his mind wander from the task of progressing past Minsk. Edwards' performance on Saturday suggested he could be called upon in Belarus, while Murray Davidson – who was re-signed by St Johnstone on a one-year contract on Thursday – will train today and tomorrow after getting an hour in the defeat by Morecambe, although defender Steven Anderson is expected to miss out.
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