I turned down first team football at a big club for Man City - I would do it again

From the age of 10, Dire Mebude moved along the path to the Rangers first team.

Standing out in the academy all the way up to turning 16, it was made clear to the youngster that if he stayed at Ibrox there would be first team opportunities on their way. They would principally come in the Scottish league, but could also mean the Europa League or even the Champions League.

It was an attractive offer, but Mebude was convinced instead that joining Manchester City's academy was the move he had to make. Such a jump would delay his chances of making an impact in senior football, but he was adamant that it was right for him.

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“I had a few good people in my ear about that actually,” he told The Herald. “But at the end of the day, it’s my own decision and me and my family came to a decision that it would be the best for me.

“I think what a lot of people miss, because a lot of people say you shouldn’t go down south when you’re young because it’s going to be really difficult, but for a young player it’s just an incredible environment to improve yourself.

“People get a lot of stick for moving away and trying new challenges, but I think it’s really, really good to develop yourself as a person as well and as a player, really stepping outside your comfort zone and doing something different.

“I mean, if it’s a team as big as Man City, there’s no way you can really say no to that. As long as you put your mind to it, you’re always getting better.”

Mebude would shine for City Under-18s and train with Pep Guardiola and the first team, where Raheem Sterling was among the players who helped him improve. However, a chance of breaking through at the Etihad never looked like coming and last year he moved permanently to sign for Westerlo in the Belgian league for just £1.65m.

It was an educational first year that included some time on loan with Bristol City, but Mebude has been involved in eight of Westerlo's ten league games so far this season and has two goals and an assist. Even if there is a feeling of what might have been north of the border about his move to City, as he looks to impress with Scotland Under-21s Mebude has no regrets about his decision.

“I think that has set me up the best for my career," he said. “It came as quite a shock when I heard they were interested in me.

"But when I heard that they wanted to sign me, it was like a no-brainer at that point, to be honest. I just couldn’t hold my excitement, I just wanted to get there as soon as possible."