Dundee United’s Barry Douglas believes he has emerged a stronger person following the most frustrating season of his career.
The 22-year-old full-back started doubting himself as he played second fiddle to the impressive Paul Dixon.
Douglas, who only made 13 appearances last season, even sought reassurance from manager Peter Houston and was told he would just have to be patient.
Now, with Dixon having moved to Huddersfield Town, his understudy is determined to finally grab his opportunity with both hands.
Douglas, who will be flying home today from Austria with the rest of the United party, said: ”This is a big year for me and I am just looking forward to it getting started. I am really determined to finally kick on.
”Last season was incredibly frustrating and I started to question myself. I went into speak to the gaffer a few times but he kept reassuring me that it wasn’t anything I was doing wrong, it was just that Dicker was in such great form.
”He was absolutely flying and sometimes you just have to accept that. It was difficult though as I wasn’t playing and it would have been easy to let the frustration get the better of me.
”But I just kept my head down and worked hard on the training field and hopefully it will pay off this year if I get my chance.
”I never thought of throwing the towel in or anything like that, but it is easy to get down when things aren’t going that well,” he went on.
”The boys though were great with me, keeping me going and saying that I would eventually get my chance. However, having gone through that, I think it makes you stronger as a person. So, hopefully this will be my year.”
Dixon was one of United’s stand-out performers last season, but Douglas is determined to match him.
He said: ”Dicker will be a hard act to follow but I am confident in my ability. I really believe that if I can get enough game time I can be just as good.”