No matter where his future career takes him, Town loan signing Tom Lawrence will always be grateful to first club Manchester United for the grounding he received during his time at Old Trafford.
Lawrence was actually at Everton’s academy when, at the age of eight, he received an offer he couldn’t refuse — the chance to switch to the club he followed and an opportunity to realise his dream of one day pulling on the famous red shirt.
Not even the fact that he made only one first team appearances for the Red Devils can dampen his delight and the fact that it was his former idol, Ryan Giggs, who gave him his debut during his time as interim boss, only enhances the memory of the occasion.
Lawrence, 22, said: "It was a good time for me at United and I learned a lot while I was with them, which was about eight or nine years.
"To make an appearance in the first team for my boyhood club was a big thing for me. I had a great time and met some great people at Old Trafford.
"It was Ryan Giggs who gave me my debut and that made it very special because I was a big fan of his when I was younger.
"I watched him all the time when I was growing up. The fact that he had faith in me was a massive lift for me.
"We’re both wingers, both Welsh, but I can’t say I have a lot in common with Giggsy. He’s left-footed and I’m right-footed, for a start, but look at the career he had as a player.”
Lawrence, who moved to Leicester in September 2014 and signed a four-year contract, has long since moved beyond the stage of having to prove a point. "I thought the time was right to move on from there,” he said, "and I don’t have any regrets about that.
"I couldn’t really turn down the Leicester offer. It was a great time and the right time for me to leave but it hasn’t gone as well as I thought it would. I’ve no regrets though.”
Coincidentally, his former United colleague Tyler Blackett could be lining up for Reading when Town visit tomorrow evening, along with Lawrence’s Welsh international pal Chris Gunter, the Royals’ right-back who impressed as he helped his country to the semi-final stage of Euro 2016 in France.
Lawrence, who is hoping to make his Town debut in the Madejski Stadium clash being screened live on Sky Sports, said: "Chris and I aren’t that close but when I go away with Wales it’s a really tight squad and it’s easy to get on with everyone there. I’d like to have a run at him.
"I’ve played against people in the past that I’ve known and you don’t see it as playing against your mate. You just focus on your job and what you’ve got to do.
"If that means going in hard on your mate then so be it. As far as I’m concerned you don’t have friends in the opposition team, although once the game is over you might have a drink and a chat with them.”