FOR A player who has struggled so much to keep a positive frame of mind that his own manager sent him to a psychiatrist, one wonders if being introduced to a Scotland set-up is the best thing for Ryan Fraser’s mental state.
After all, the start of this World Cup qualification campaign has not been the biggest source of joy.
If it’s that hard going for the supporters, carrying the 19-year burden of being at home every summer can’t be a joy for the players tasked with bringing that wait to a halt.
Despite the reality that the attempt to get to Russia next year already looks a long shot after just four games, the fresh face of Fraser is attacking this new challenge with a buoyancy and vigour instilled in him by the Bournemouth club psychiatrist he was sent to by manager Eddie Howe.
“I was quite negative,” said the 23-year-old Aberdonian. “I went to see a psychiatrist to try and help me stop being so negative and that’s helped me out. If you are doing well you grow from it. “ There seems very little holding back this young man now. Already with 20 Premier League matches under his belt this season – along with three goals – the former Pittodrie kid is arguably one of the few players in Gordon Strachan’s lot performing at the highest level on a regular basis.
It is just reward for a gamble Fraser took at the age of 18. Signed on a three-and-a-half-year deal in 2013, the teenager was transported 600 miles away from his family to the English south coast. Far out of his comfort zone, Fraser’s work ethic and talent were rewarded with a new contract at the start of the year.
“I felt like I made the right choice two weeks into the move,” said the former Aberdeen forward. “I got hammered for it and my family got hammered for it “People saying [to his parents], ‘Why has he done that? He shouldn’t have done it. It’s a stupid decision’. It’s nothing to do with my mum and dad, but they would be affected by it.”
Making his mum and dad proud is at the forefront of Fraser’s mind this week, just as it has been over the last four years during his time at Bournemouth. In an incredible story, that jaunt across the UK seems like nothing when compared to the sacrifice his dad Graeme made when his son was just a boy – to pack in his job in the Middle East to allow his football dream to flourish.
It will be with a tear in the eye Fraser Snr and family watch on tonight at Easter Road for the friendly with Canada if his son completes his football journey from Oman to the Scotland national team.
“[My first cap] would definitely be for him and my mum – they lost and then spent a lot of money on me to put me through teams and camps and courses. I want to repay them with a cap and every game in the Premier League I’m trying to do well for myself and make my family proud.”
No matter what happens tonight, it’s already mission accomplished.
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