STEVE Bruce has likened the rise of Hull City new-boy Andy Robertson to a fairytale but, in truth, even that is stretching it.
Just 15 months ago Robertson was finishing the 2012-13 season with Queen's Park in the Scottish Third Division. As a teenage amateur, he earned additional money by working in the VIP areas of Hampden Park.
A switch to Dundee United last summer first began a breathless transformation into an international football and now, following a £2.85m move to the KC Stadium yesterday, the promising left-back can suddenly begin planning for a career in the Premier League.
Robertson said: "Football is all about taking risks at the right time. I've taken two risks in a year. One of them has paid off and I'm hoping I can be sat here in a year knowing the other one has paid off too.
"It's a big step but last year if someone had asked me if I was daunted by moving to the SPL I would have answered in the exact same way.
"It's another step but one I look forward to making. I want to be here against top quality players and that will bring my game on massively.
"You grow up watching Match of the Day every Saturday night and at that point you can only dream of playing in such a massive league.
"Now I'm about to play in the biggest league in the world and I can't wait for it start."
Robertson was yesterday unveiled as City's latest acquisition this summer in a deal that makes him the club's most expensive defender.
On face value, with just 36 appearances to his name in the SPL, it would appear that Robertson is not the only one taking a calculated risk.
City, however, believe they have found something special.
As well as being named the Scottish PFA's Young Player of the Season in April, his form for Dundee United was enough to earn him the first of two Scotland caps. West Ham United and Southampton were among the scouts that flooded to see a startling development.
City watched Robertson extensively in the second half of last season and would not take no for an answer once the bidding began last month. A series of offers beginning at £1.5m eventually led to the £2.85m agreed between the two clubs on Friday.
Robertson said his goodbyes to Dundee United over the weekend and travelled down to East Yorkshire on Monday and it was then he was given assurances that this was the right move.
"I met the manager on Monday for the first time and he was brilliant with me," said Robertson, who was released by Celtic at the age of 15 for being too small.
"The way he was talking with me and my parents made me feel welcome straight away.
"Moving away from home and all that is quite daunting but he made it a lot easier.
"Dundee United is a club that's full of young boys and I got very close to them last year.
"Leaving them behind was a hard decision. The manager as well has been brilliant with me. He put me on the map along with his coaching staff.
"It was tough to leave such a good club but it was time for me to move on and try a new challenge.
"I spoke with the manager (Bruce) about his thoughts for the club and his thoughts for me and that maybe swung it.
"It's been going on for a while so I'm just glad it's over now. I'm just looking forward to meeting the boys and getting started.
"From what I heard earlier in pre-season there was offers getting rejected and that kind of disappeared but as soon as Hull came in I knew that would be my right step. I hope I've got a chance to play here and that's the next step in my career."
As part of the move that has brought Robertson to the KC, fellow left-back Conor Townsend will spend the season on loan at Dundee United.
Manager Jackie McNamara said: "I was delighted to secure Conor so quickly. It was important to get him in early so he can settle in before the start of the competitive action.
"He is a real good defender who will do a job here. His athleticism and height will enhance our squad."
