Patrick McClean has revealed how his brother James stopped him from walking away from football earlier this year.
The 22-year-old is enjoying a new lease of life with Glentoran after joining the Oval club back in July.
McClean has become a permanent feature in Mick McDermott's new-look Glens, and last month he was rewarded for his performances with a new two-year contract extension.
It has been a mini-revival from the former Derry City man, whose brief time at the Brandywell was stalled by a long-term injury that had McClean questioning his very future in the sport.
Sidelined and struggling for fitness, McClean ended up signing his own release forms during the summer.
And with his career in limbo, he sought counsel from Stoke City and Republic of Ireland sibling James.
"I thought about taking a break from football. I spoke to my brother and told him I was going to take a year out to see what I wanted to do," Patrick told Belfast Live Sport's .
"He just said I might not get back to where I want to be, and then the Glens contacted me and fortunately I am back playing.
"James and me stay in touch a lot. We are more mates than brothers. We speak a lot."
Patrick added: "I had a grade three tear on the my quad. I recovered pretty quickly, but I came back in and forced my comeback a bit and it happened again.
"And it kept happening and happening and I never really got back.
"I could run and everything like that, but once as I hit a ball I got injured again."
McClean ended up signing for Glentoran after training with North Belfast club Cliftonville.
"I trained with Cliftonville for a full week," he added.
"I was to play in a friendly on the Saturday, and then the Glens said they wanted to speak to me.
"So I didn't want to play and possibly get hurt, and then I would be out the window with both clubs.
"I spoke to Glentoran before the friendly and then my mind was made up."
McClean admits it was an "easy decision" to sign for Glentoran.
After initial contact was made through Gavin Peers, McClean ended up speaking with Glens assistant boss Paul Millar before signing his deal.
"Big Gavin Peers got in touch with me through Instagram. It went straight to my requests and I didn't even see it," he said.
"He then sent me a text, I don't know how he got my number. And then he said to get in touch with big Windy (Paul Millar).
"Windy rang me and we had a chat and then met up. It was an easy decision to join.
"My dad came with me for the first time, and he was saying 'are you sure you want to do this son?' and I was like 'aye, eye'.
"I signed a new two-year extension last month. I was happy enough with my (initial) contract, but they said they were happy with how I was doing and they wanted to keep me longer."
He added: "I am loving my football again.
"At the start of the year I picked up that bad injury and I fell out of love with football. But coming to Glentoran, I am starting to enjoy it again. So it has been good so far.
"When you're not fit, and trying to get back playing, it is frustrating. It is tough, mentally. And I just really needed to get out of there and get a fresh start.
"I have settled in quickly. Everyone has been so welcoming. Hopefully things continue in an upward curve."
Listen to the full episode of our podcast with Patrick McClean here:
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