I’m not sure if teenager David Bonnar has been reading any of their 'seizing-the-moment’ books, but he’s certainly pitched his tent in the optimism camp. The Galashiels schoolboy was snapped up by Livingston on professional terms around 18 months ago.

Nobody would argue that the raw talent was there, and most with an eye for detail would agree that with each passing month at Almondvale, under the guidance of John Hughes, Gareth Evans and John Collins, he was getting better and better.

But behind the scenes bust-ups led to all three of his mentors departing.

Bonnar’s request to go out on loan to his hometown club of Gala Fairydean Rovers at the start of this season was accepted - and last month he was officially released by the Championship side.

For many 17-year-olds, having to walk away from the job you’ve dreamed of all your life would be heart-breaking.

But, just as his mature midfield play defies his years, so does his outlook. David told us: “Sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward.

“I would love to go back into full-time professional football at some point - it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do - and I hope that playing with Gala will keep me in the shop window.

“I enjoy being here at the Fairydean Rovers - it’s great getting football every week and the Lowland League is a good standard.

“I might be one of the youngest in our team but I’m given plenty of responsibility in the middle of the park, and that’s something I enjoy.” Despite Gala’s results of late, Bonnar has been the one rock in the middle of the park who continually produces steady, and sometimes eye-catching, performances.

And he admits he’s learning all the time from his more experienced team-mates.

David added: “It’s great playing with guys like Stu Noble and Sean Paliczka, who know so much about the game. You learn from boys like that.

“I don’t know where the future lies - I’d like to think I can go back to being a professional footballer again with a big club - but I’m happy where I am just now and won’t be disappointed if I have another season or two with Gala.” Manager Stevie Noble concedes his young midfield player has the credentials to step up a level or two in the future.

But, as if lifted from a Paul McKenna lifestyle guide, he hopes his young star will complete his learning curve under his command.

Noble said: “Davie has been a fantastic player for us and he is going from strength to strength.

“It has been a difficult season for us with results but I hope that it is helping players like Davie and Craig McBride develop their game.

“We are all learning from the Lowland League experience and it is a journey that I hope Davie will be with us on for a few seasons yet.”