George Harmon credits his 12-month spell at English non-league side Oxford City with preparing him for his move to Ross County.
Left back Harmon was a stellar performer for the Staggies in the weeks leading up to the winter break, netting in victories over St Mirren and Hibernian.
It came shortly after Harmon returned from a hamstring injury which ruled him out for a number of weeks at the start of the season.
Harmon was among Malky Mackay’s early summer recruits, joining from City for an undisclosed fee.
His spell in England’s sixth-tier, during which he netted six goals in 42 appearances, put him on County’s radar.
It was a return which saw Harmon claim City’s supporters’ player of the season award.
It was Harmon’s first taste of senior football after he had been released by West Brom, and the 21-year-old says the experience has proven invaluable since his switch to Scotland.
Harmon said: “It was massive for me. It was my first season in men’s football and it was, not exactly a reality check, but a big change coming away from West Brom in the Championship.
“I knew I had to express myself and put a stamp on the team.
“The manager, owners and fans down there were really good to me, like they are here.
“They gave me an opportunity and when a football club gives you an opportunity you have to repay them.
“What Ross County have now done is almost a carbon copy of what Oxford City did.”
Defender was confident in making switch to Scotland
Staggies boss Mackay has previously described Harmon as being “ahead of where we thought he was going to be” after initially tying him down on a two-year deal.
Despite the step up to top-flight football in Scotland, Harmon insists he always believed in his ability to make an impact with the Staggies.
He added: “Scottish football is different to what I was used to at non-league level in England, but I’ve almost taken it in my stride a little bit.
“Coming here, I just want to express myself as much as I can.
“It was difficult moving away from home, but the boys have been great with me from the first day I walked in through the door, as have the fans.
“It is great be back in full-time football. I’m thankful for the opportunity and I have just wanted to repay the manager for giving me that chance.”
Hurt at Baggies release remains driving factor for left back
Harmon’s release by boyhood favourites West Brom came as a major blow, having been part of the youth ranks at the Hawthorns since the age of seven.
That remains a driving force for Harmon to prove a point in his career.
He added: “It is never nice leaving a club like West Brom, but it is good being able to prove people wrong over some of the decisions that were made.
“I’ve stood by how I feel my ability is and then to get the move here was really good for my confidence.
”It wasn’t just me – there were loads of lads released.
“But it is difficult, trying to then get a move off very little experience in men’s football.
“A lot of teams look for that experience and when stuff happens at the club where you can’t get that men’s football, it is difficult then to find a team to take a gamble on me.
“Thankfully Oxford did that for me and it gave me a platform to be able to move on.”
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