With several teams interested in securing his signature, Scotland striker Che Adams sought the advice of head coach Steve Clarke in the summer.
With tongue planted firmly in cheek, Clarke’s view was: “If you stay in England, it’ll be easier for me!”
Remaining at Southampton was one option, with fellow Premier League sides Wolves and Nottingham Forest also keen in signing the forward.
Adams’ decision in the end, however, was to move his life to Italy and pen a deal with Torino.
It is already looking like a shrewd call as the Serie A side currently sit top of the table after five games, with Adams scoring twice and assisting another in those early-season fixtures.
But the Scotland forward missed the Nations League double-header earlier this month, confirming to BBC Sport that he had a hip-flexor issue.
“I was just new to the country, I needed to take good treatment and get fit here,” he added. “I don’t think it would have helped going to Scotland at that time.”
Given the striker’s start to the season, it will be no surprise to see him back in the squad for October’s games against Croatia and Portugal.
After all, regardless of where he is playing, Clarke told Adams he will always have an eye on the 28-year-old.
On the advice the Scotland boss offered him in the summer, the striker added: “He just told me to keep fit, keep healthy and keep scoring, and he’ll always be watching.”
