He's been at Hamilton Accies most of his life - and Lewis Smith says getting the club back to the Premiership is part of the reason behind his long-term contract extension.
The 21-year-old is one of head coach Stuart Taylor's key players and he has committed his future to the New Douglas Park club until 2024.
Smith struggled with injury last term as Accies were relegated from the Premiership to Championship level, but he's played 19 times already this season.
The winger says the two-year extension has been in the pipeline for some time, but it's down to how much he is enjoying his football at the club which brought him through their academy.
Smith told Lanarkshire Live Sport : "It's been in the works for a few weeks now. I'm really happy, so I'm pleased to get it all done and signed. I really enjoy my football here.
"The club made it clear that they wanted me to sign the contract. There wasn't much to it as it was just a couple of meetings about things.
"The most important thing for me right now is to be playing every week. Last season was frustrating for me and this season has been brilliant. I've played pretty much every game.
"That's great for me on a personal level as I get to go out and do what I enjoy doing."
Smith can still recall going for his trial as a youngster at the club, and believes there's optimism to be had around the latest youngsters making the grade.
He explained: "I can remember going for my trial, and it was Hamilton Boys Club at that time as they didn't have pro youth at the age I joined. I was there for a year before coming in here.
"I've been here ever since - more than half my life. Even when I was growing up, you saw players coming into the first-team all the time. Some of them made it big.
"It gives you that drive that you will get a chance to succeed here if you perform well. It's been really good throughout my time here.
"It's a very young team now and there are a few of us who are young, and have played a lot of games. I probably could have played a bit more if I didn't have my injuries.
"I hit 50 appearances earlier this season so I can hopefully pass on my experience to other guys. Marley Redfern's now starting to play a lot of games, and younger guys like Adam McGowan are now getting their chance."
It's been a transitional season so far at Accies, with a new manager, swapping Premiership football for the Championship and alterations at boardroom level. Smith wants to go back to Scotland's top table with Hamilton.
The 21-year-old added: "It's different this year. You certainly have more of the ball and things like that. Hopefully over the course of this deal we get back to where we belong in the Premiership.
"We lost a lot of players over the summer and a lot of new ones came in. The gaffer is getting his points across and you can see we are starting to put that across on the pitch."
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.
