My dream was nearly shattered, says Leicester City striker Martyn Waghorn
The 20-year-old, who is on loan from Sunderland, admitted he was close to being thrown out of the Stadium of Light at the age of 15.
The Black Cats academy coaches gave him a final warning to knuckle down and fulfil his potential after some unconvincing performances.
It worked because the thought of losing the chance to become a professional made Waghorn focus on his profession.
A switch from the left wing to striker also kick-started Waghorn's career and he was soon offered his first professional contract by then Sunderland manager Roy Keane.
Waghorn is now at the Walkers Stadium to gain valuable experience. He has been a big hit with the Blue Army, City boss Nigel Pearson and Sunderland manager Steve Bruce.
However, Waghorn does not forget how close he came to being shown the door at the club he joined as a nine-year-old prospect.
"It was strange to be honest because I started off at Sunderland so young and I was flying in my younger years. But then I got to 12 and 13 and I started having problems with injuries," he said.
"At one stage, I was called in to the training ground because I was about to be released by the club. I was 15 or 16. They said I wasn't playing very well and I needed to get my act together and start scoring goals.
"Luckily for me, something clicked and I kicked on from there. It gave me a kick up the backside because I knew I had to change some things in my life or I could be out of the game soon.
"It was character building because I was only young. To be told you could be out of the game made me realise I had to make changes in my life.
"I stopped going out with my mates as much, and other things that affect you, and I got my head down and kicked on.
"It wasn't as if I was going out all the time, drinking and doing crazy stuff. I was probably going out a little too much and not resting enough between training.
"I shouldn't have been doing that and it started to have an effect because I became tired in games.
"I changed from being a left winger to a striker and I started to score goals, and I haven't looked back. I remember I was put up front for a game against Liverpool and scored twice. I was only 16 and then I got called up for the under-18 side.
"I started to play well and got the contract at Sunderland that I needed.
"Roy Keane came in and told me he liked the way I played. He gave me my big chance.
"I was 17 when Roy offered me a deal. I was in the second year of my scholarship. I signed in January 2008 and it was massive thing for me.
"I am very happy where I am now and determined to make the most of my opportunity."
Growing up as a Black Cats fan, Waghorn's heroes were strikers Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn, and he admits he studied their play in a bid to improve his own game.
However, it is Manchester United's Wayne Rooney and Manchester City's Carlos Tevez who Waghorn most admires these days.
"Phillips and Niall Quinn were my heroes growing up and I liked Julio Arca as well," he said. "They were the main three I liked watching when I was younger.
"Arca had a lot of skill but Phillips was the one because of his goals, and he still has it now. I hope I am still doing it at 36 like him.
"I like to learn off players like Phillips by watching them on the TV and I also watch players like Rooney and Tevez a lot. I would like to think I could play like them one day, they have great movement.
"They work hard, have a good touch and score goals. When Rooney first joined United he was criticised for not scoring enough tap-ins. But he has matured now and hopefully I can play like him one day.
"I would love to play in the Premier League and to get a cap for England would be amazing. I would love to captain a team as well, in the Premier League or Champions League. I would like to think I would lead by example and work hard, but I am still only 20.
"There is plenty of time yet."
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