When Michael Miller tore his ACL, he turned to education for a possible career outside of football.
Now the midfielder is firing on all cylinders again - and looking to prove he's the master of his trade at Somerset Park.
The 25-year-old became Ayr's fourth new face of the summer today after agreeing a deal to join the ambitious Championship side.
It's a big year for former Celtic kid Miller, who will also complete a degree at Glasgow Caledonian University in Electrical Engineering.
It follows the horror knee injury that put him out of the game and left him fearing for his future as a player.
He told the Ayrshire Post: "I ended up missing a few years because of it...I originally didn't think I needed an operation and that prolonged my time out.
"That's why I started looking at the education side of things with a view to life outside of football down the road and I began an HND.
"I'm now in the final year of my university degree at Glasgow Caledonian and because of everything that's happened this year, there's a lot more flexible learning now."
Miller won the League One title with Raith last term - the third time he has won that league in recent years after similar triumphs with Morton and Livingston.
Now he's aiming to step it up a level in the Championship after bagging a two year deal.
He said: "As soon as I heard of the interest from Ayr and from the manager, I wanted to come here.
"Having played against him a few times down the years - and seeing what has happened at the club in recent times - it's a place you want to be.
"They are clearly making good progress and I want to be a part of that.
"It looks like it's going to be another very competitive season in the Championship so I can't wait to get started an play my part.
"I can obviously play a number of positions across the back or in midfield, which helps, but I definitely see myself as more of a sitting midfielder.
"But it's the old cliche that applies...as long as I'm playing and helping the team, I'll be happy."
Boss Mark Kerr said: "Michael is a good age for us, is versatile and can play in a few different positions.
"He is just off the back of winning League One with Raith and he is really hungry to push on with his football career now."
