Scott Arfield has enjoyed an impressive career in the game – but the music might not have been so sweet if not for a “kick up the backside” from his brother.

Wanderers fans might have watched his guitar covers on social media and performances he put on for team-mates at Charlotte FC before returning to British football in the summer.

Music remains a big part of Arfield’s life off the pitch, and he admits in his youth he considered a career on the stage before a wake-up call from his sibling.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a musician! I play the guitar but I am only a wee chord guy,” he grinned.

“I can probably count on two hands how many real good friends I have had in a nearly 20-year career in football, but most of my best mates are musicians. It is probably my biggest passion.

“I had to make a decision when I was 17 or 18, whether I wanted to try and go down the rock n roll route or football. Thankfully, it worked out on the football route.

“But I remember my brother giving me a kick up the backside with my best mate, Liam Corbett, who was a guitarist.

“I thought we were going to give it a real good go, but they told me it was only for enjoyment, so back to Falkirk I went, and my career took off there.”

The decision certainly paid off for Arfield, who won promotion with Huddersfield Town before spending several seasons in the Premier League with Burnley.

More good times were around the corner with Rangers, winning the Scottish Premiership and even playing in a Europa League final. He also experienced international football with Canada, later taking on the captain’s armband.

Arfield could have easily finished his career in the sun with Charlotte, but Arfield wanted more, and that hunger brought him back to the EFL with Bolton.

“It was a huge decision,” he admitted. “It is a different season over there, it finishes in late-October, November time.

“There was a contract there until right into December and then I would make a decision. At that time, I wasn’t playing as much as I wanted to.

“The lifestyle and everything that came with it, I absolutely loved it. But at the end of the day, I still feel like I’ve got years left in the tank and goals to score. It was completely professional - if it was personal, I would still be in the sunshine.

“I will be 36 in December and then you’re coming back here, maybe you’ve not played as much as you can, who is going to sign a 36-year-old who hasn’t played in the MLS for that long?

“I needed to come back and play. I landed on my feet with a club of this size and stature, and it is completely parallel with my thinking – that expectation, scrutiny and pressure. “I wanted to prolong that feeling, it is what I need at this stage of my career.”

Arfield started at Leyton Orient on the opening day of the League One season and has made a further 10 appearances for the Whites so far.

The veteran is still desperate to contribute on the pitch, but he is also embracing his role behind the scenes as he looks to pass on his knowledge and experience.

“That is my role on and off the pitch, to calm things down at times when it is a bit too frantic,” said the midfielder, who will be in contention for a place in the squad against Burton Albion on Saturday.

“I can help off the pitch as well, make people smile and take the pressure off. Or the other way, giving them a kick up the backside when things need to liven up and we are falling short of expectation.”

He added: “I want to help get this club back to where it belongs, it has been in this division for far too long.

“It would have been amazing for everybody connected with the club last season if they did it but you shouldn’t lose sight on one game, one 90-minutes.

“There are many games throughout the season where you fall short. I have come here to help get this club back up, there is no doubt about that.”

Wanderers had a slow start in the league but picked up 10 points from their last four matches before the break, even though the Shrewsbury draw was a source of frustration.

Arfield is enjoying playing under Ian Evatt and remains confident that the squad can push towards their goals.

“The gaffer has got his philosophy in playing, which is fantastic. He never really wavers from it and it has been refreshing to see a young manager come in with this way of playing,” said the 35-year-old.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed it – rotations, overloads – you hear it a lot when you talk about football, but this manager and his staff really mean it and there is a real purpose to our play.

“Obviously, if you score more goals, this purpose gets magnified and people look at it in a different light. That all comes with winning games.

“We have got a nice way of playing and just need to take our chances at the top end, and things will change for us.”

Part of this interview was supplied by SkyBet. To visit the site, please click here.