The decision to stick or twist will have a significant bearing on their path to fame, fortune and glory. It is a moment of reflection that even the most experienced of campaigners have struggled with.
For David Wotherspoon, his decision to move has proved to be the right one. The striker was on the books at Celtic for four years. For many young players, the road to the Celtic starting XI would have been the only one in their sights but Wotherspoon could not see any light at the end of the tunnel. Determined to succeed and confident in his own ability, he pondered leaving Parkhead and sought advice from one of the best mentors in the game.
Wotherspoon said: “I talked to Tommy Burns and told him I wasn’t happy. He said, ‘Well, it’s up to yourself and what you think is best for you’.
“It was a hard decision to leave but I wanted to make the most of any opportunity for myself and I managed to get myself a club, at Hibernian.”
Celtic’s loss unquestionably was Hibernian’s gain. Wotherspoon has become one of the brightest proteges to emerge on to the scene in Leith. After securing the under-19 league and cup double, the striker has now forced his way into John Hughes’ first-team squad. It is a dream scenario for the 19-year-old who says he has no regrets about making the move along the M8.
He said: “It has justified it [leaving Celtic]. It has made me happier that I made that decision. It just proves my point that I thought there were more opportunities at Hibs and it shows. I have got starts this season and I hope to keep that going. It was a tough choice for myself but I thought it was the right one, I always thought I would get more opportunities at Hibs.”
After making his mark on the Hibernian first team, international honours beckon for the striker. Capped at under-16 and under-19 level, Wotherspoon has been tipped to make his way through the dark blue ranks of Scotland and his call-up for the under-21 squad to play Belarus on Saturday completes the perfect start to his season under Hughes.
“It’s been superb, I’m delighted, it has been more than I dreamed of. I hope it keeps going, I’ve just got to keep working hard and keep my spot. The manager has been superb. As soon as he came in the atmosphere lifted from last season. There is a real vibe about the place.
“I read something about him saying that it didn’t matter what age you are, if you perform you will get your chance, and it has shown. He has given me my chance and I have tried to do the best for him and the best for myself and so far it has been really good.”
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