Stopping the ball from going into the net has been Scott Tanser’s goal for 11 years – but it almost was the complete opposite for him.
The St Mirren wing-back made his debut at Rochdale in 2013 in League Two where he came off the bench to assist the winner against Plymouth.
Although he wouldn’t go on to make another appearance for the Dale until the 2014-15 season, his pathway into the game was already decided by his youth career.
When he turned out for Blackpool and Burnley’s youth teams, Tanser wasn’t putting his body on the line to stop the shots – he was the one doing the shooting.
The Englishman had been a striker until the age of 16 where, at Rochdale during a youth game, he filled in at left-back due to injuries and performed very well.
From there, his career took off and the 30-year-old admits that he doesn’t think he would have been where he is today if it wasn’t for that appearance at full-back.
“When I was a kid I played striker all my life until my youth team days when I got put left-back,” he said. “So, I think that instinctive finishing has never left me. Technically, I back myself every time in front of goal.
“I got into the position as I played one game when the full-back was injured and I took over for that one game. I had a really good game and that was me.
“I always think if that didn’t happen I wouldn’t be where I am today so I take it as a compliment to be able to adapt to the position and get a career out of it. I do fancy my chances up there so if ever an opportunity comes about I won’t shy away from it.”
A modern-day full-back now is required to be able to support attacks as well as defend. Tanser highlighted how, when he started out in the role, it was much different to what it is now – but thanks his natural fitness for being able to play the position.
He went on to say: “You are more of an outlet now, you are playing more as a winger nowadays so you need to have an attack mind as well as a defensive one.
“You need to be able to find that middle ground where you can go and where you stay. Physically, fitness wise, you need to be at the top of your game and look after yourself.
“On average, you do about 11.5 kilometres a game as you are up and down non-stop. It is about looking after yourself really well and I think that I do that.”
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