Released by Leeds United when he was only 16, the midfielder would have been outstanding for them now.
Leeds United have an impressive squad at their disposal this season, but there is one ex-player that could have turned them from play-off hopefuls to champions elect.
The Whites proved against Brighton and Hove Albion that they can be a match for any side in the division on their day, and Leeds boss Garry Monk will be hoping to guide them to the top flight at his first attempt. But given the fact that no one wants to run away with the league, one can only imagine what could have happened at Elland Road if they still had Tom Cairney to call on.
The midfielder came through the youth ranks at Leeds between 1998 and 2007, but he was released after being deemed too small, and he will go down as the one that got away given his outstanding form for Fulham this season.
Now 26, Cairney is Leeds’ missing man; the player that could have single-handedly elevated them to the next level.
With barely a goal between them this season, Leeds’ midfielders have done little to impress in the attacking third. In contrast Cairney has nine goals and 11 assists this season alone.
The Whites’ loss is Fulham’s gain yet one can only wonder what would have happened if Leeds had kept hold of the player and enabled him to fulfil his potential in Yorkshire.
Leeds have a great chance of winning promotion without him, but with him they could have been unstoppable.
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