Burnley attacker Ashley Barnes says he's a better player for his time outside the Football League.
The 25-year-old believes he would never have made it without learning at the school of hard knocks with Southern League side Paulton Rovers.
Barnes admitted: "That's what made me into what I am and where I am now.
"If it wasn't for Paulton I don't know where I would have been, so I have every right to thank them.
"I had a few sniffs of clubs wanting me when I was younger but I was happy playing men's football and getting smashed around everywhere.
"When I was 16 or 17 I was playing with the men and getting kicked to pieces. It toughened me up a little bit and I have gone from there.
"It wasn't the best of leagues but it was a good time. You've got to start somewhere and that's where I started and grew from there.
"Ever since school all I wanted to do was play football and to play in the Premier League and now I have got there I don't want it to end."
