Inverness teenager Dylan Smith living the dream after turning professional with Ross County
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Dylan Smith has reflected on a whirlwind few months that have seen him go from preparing for fifth year at school to playing in front of 50,000 people at Ibrox.
The former Smithton Primary School and Culloden Academy pupil was given the chance to turn professional as a football by Ross County in the summer.
Still just 16 years old, Smith was included in first team training early on, getting the chance to impress manager Malky Mackay.
After playing against Brora in pre-season, the decision was made to keep the youngster in Dingwall rather than sending him out on loan, and since then he has featured away at Rangers, and for his country at under-17 level.
It comes as no surprise, then, that it was an easy decision for Smith to make to leave school and turn pro.
“I was with one of my pals," the teenager recalled.
"It sounds a bit weird, but we were trying to learn how to make a fried egg. We got the call that I had to rush to my mum’s work.
"I knew it was about County but I had no idea what else it was about. It was one of my academy managers, who said County had offered me a deal.
“I would have to leave school, but it was an opportunity that I always wanted so I went for it 100 per cent.
“I had just started fifth year, I had all my subjects picked, but as soon as that opportunity came around I knew I just had to do it. It has always been the dream."
Smith actually started out in the Clachnacuddin youth system, playing for the Lilywhites until he went into secondary school.
At that point, he was spotted playing street league football for his school by then-County scout Richard Hastings, who brought him across the Kessock Bridge to Dingwall.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Smith has caught the eye both within the Staggies set-up and further afield, as evidenced by his call-up to the Scotland age groups.
“Playing for my country is something I have always wanted to do, since I was young," Smith enthused.
“What a feeling it was being called up – I told all my family who were buzzing as well. I was happy to start the first two games and to keep a clean sheet in both of them.
“I had only been abroad once, and now I’ve been abroad more with football than I have on holiday, so it was a great experience.
"My debut (at Rangers) was a surreal experience.
“I knew there was one substitution left, and it was myself or Ben Paton. My mum was in the corner, she said she saw me come on and started greeting. It’s such a big stadium – I was really nervous, but so excited."
Malky Mackay is clearly a big fan of Smith and believes the youngster has huge potential.
The County boss has previously spoken of his belief that Smith could go on to captain the Staggies and earn a big-time move elsewhere down the line.
For the time being, though, Smith is just focusing on making the transition from youth to senior football and learning as much as he can.
"The manager has put a lot of confidence in me," Smith added.
"He has a background in youth development which his really helpful, but I try not to look too much at what he's said because I just want to focus on training and getting myself better.
“The physical game is a big change from under-18s. You’ve got to be stronger and more physical, and you’ve got to think way more as well.
“I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s different. I just have to get to the gym, get stronger and hopefully get more opportunities to come.
“In terms of the next stage, I just want to keep getting in the matchday squad and maybe break into the 11. Maybe not this year, but in years to come I want to get into that starting 11 in years to come.
“I feel like I can contribute. Even next year, I will try and get a couple of starts and just work towards it.
“I’m not sure about longer yet, I have only thought about County so far. I just want to get into that first team, cement my position there and we will see what there is to come from there."
