Fowler's unconventional path to Premiership stardom

Josh Fowler has had an impressive start to life in the Premiership, with the 24-year-old St Johnstone striker currently topping the scoring charts. However, it's been a long journey to the top for Fowler - from Beith juniors to Perth via Dubai and Australia. After being released by Johnstone Burgh, Fowler's rise began in Scottish football's sixth tier when a chance to join Beith arose because his college lecturer was the club's president. The striker's desire for full-time football then led him to Dubai, after unsuccessful trials with Kilmarnock and Motherwell. He spent two years at Gulf United, an experience he describes as "surreal". Fowler, having also spent a few months in Australia with St Albans, was tempted back to Scotland last summer when Queen's Park made him an offer he couldn't refuse. His signing raised eyebrows but he wasted no time in proving his doubters wrong, scoring goals in his first four games. Fowler has never had issues with self-belief - "I've always backed my ability" - and his fine form attracted St Johnstone, who signed him for an undisclosed fee in January. He had a tough start to life in Perth, with his minutes mainly limited to substitute appearances in the second half of the Saints' Championship-winning season. "The second half of last season I struggled a wee bit on the goal front, but I'm really happy that I've kicked off really well," he said. Fowler has shown his ability already this season with four goals in five games making him the Premiership top scorer, but he doesn't plan to stop there. "I want to compete at the highest level I can and I'm at the top level in the country now," he said.