New St Johnstone signing George Hunter is hoping to follow in Stevie May and Chris Kane’s footsteps.
Perth boss Tommy Wright was able to point to a pathway to first team football that May and Kane have both walked.
And the 18-year-old admitted that the proven McDiarmid Park production line helped convince him to choose Saints over the likes of Hearts and Hibs.
The former Spartans frontman 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 got a taste of life with a professional club at an early age at Livingston.
Injury curtailed that, but he has bounced back spectacularly with Spartans.
“I’ve got 34 goals in 14 games this season, which is okay,” he said.
“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.”
Hunter is thrilled with the opportunity he now has, but he knows that he has to prove himself all over again to the Saints coaching team who have decided not to farm him out on loan.
“The real hard work starts now,” he pointed out.
“I’ve got a two and a half year contract so the club obviously believe in me.
“But 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.
“Hopefully I can grab the opportunity I have been given.”