Former St Mirren keeper Vaclav Hladky has revealed how he once turned down a move to Rangers to sign for English fourth tier side Salford City.
The Czech shotstopper spent 18 months in Paisley and attracted the attention of both Rangers and Celtic during his time with the Saints.
He has revealed he held talks with the Ibrox club when he decided he was leaving St Mirren. But he instead opted to sign for English League Two outfit Salford City instead.
Hladky later won a move to Ipswich Town and he is now the Championship club's No.1.
But he admitted that his move to Scottish football was the springboard for his career.
He said: "When I was leaving St Mirren, I discussed a transfer with Rangers and we got down to personal terms.
"On the one hand, it was a difficult decision to join a club in the fourth division of English football compared with Rangers.
"But I wanted to prove myself in English football and that eventually earned me a move to Ipswich Town.
"I am delighted I moved to Scottish football from Slovan Liberec. I didn't hesitate for a second when St Mirren contacted me.
"I transferred to Scotland, it's not English, it's a different language. I tried to communicate with my hands, my feet, but guys, when they speak, it's not the English you hear on TV, where everyone speaks clearly, it's a Scottish version that they speak to their friends. I was lost.
"My wife and I hired a teacher and tried to make progress, but when I transferred to England, it was like a balm to the ears!"
