Robert Snodgrass has been challenged by Gary McAllister to make the most of his move south of the border and fulfil his potential in English football.
The versatile forward has made a positive start to his career at Leeds United.
After impressing during last weekend's win at Scunthorpe United he then scored in the midweek Carling Cup victory over Chester and McAllister appears to have uncovere
d a promising talent.
Snodgrass cost Leeds an undisclosed sum in compensation when he transferred to Elland Road at the end of his contract with Livingston last month and he has placed an immediate grip on a spot in United's starting line-up.
The 20-year-old was only 17 when he made his debut for Livingston and McAllister admitted he was alerted to Snodgrass' ability long before he bid for him this summer.
United's boss hopes a switch to England will help him to reach his peak, saying: "I've been aware of Snoddy for quite a while.
"He's stood still since he burst onto the scene a couple years ago but he's obviously a talented boy.
"It might just be that moving south of the border is what he needed.
"He's at that stage in his life where a change like this might open his eyes and broaden his horizons completely.
"We've got to pay a lot of attention to his manner during the week and in training because I guess it's the first time he's moved out of his comfort zone.
"He's changed country and although it's not a million miles away we have to make sure that we do everything we can to give him the best chance to perform.
"But he's got the quality to do that."
McAllister took a similar step in 1985 when he left his hometown club Motherwell to join Leicester City, his last stop before linking up with Leeds United five years later.
He went on to enjoy a long career in the Premiership while winning numerous caps for Scotland.
And McAllister expressed disappointed at the small number of Scots who have succeeded recently in forging a career in the English leagues.
Barry Ferguson – arguably the most high-profile transfer across the Scottish border during the past five years – completed an 18-month stint with Blackburn Rovers.
But he made just 35 appearances before returning to Glasgow and rejoining Rangers.
McAllister said: "I've been a bit disappointed in the last five or six Scottish players who've come down here and not spent enough time down here.
"They went back too soon. I hope Robert is willing to go the distance."
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The full article contains 439 words and appears in Yorkshire Sport newspaper.
