When the RB Leipzig travelling party rolls into Glasgow this week there will be a solitary Scot on board.
His coaching began at Aberdeen and went via Africa where he encountered young talent such as Mohammed Kudus and Mo Diomande. And now he finds himself at one of the most progressive clubs in Europe. Sometimes he struggles to comprehend how he has ended up there. Then he remembers the drive, determination and passion for the game that set him on his way.
After learning his trade at Aberdeen as a youth coach, Campbell was given an opportunity that changed his life. The Right to Dream academy in Ghana was formed 25 years ago and is now a primary source of talent in that part of the world. “They took a gamble on me. They flew me to Denmark where I went to FC Nordsjaelland. I did a session and signed my contract that day without even travelling to Ghana. With hindsight that was probably a bit risky. But it was an incredible experience, on and off the pitch. The life lessons were amazing.
“In the UK if you don’t make it as a footballer, it might hurt you not achieving your dream. But you’ll probably then go on to university and have a good career. The sad reality for players in Ghana is that if they don’t make it, they know their life would look very different. He said: “From a personal note, I’m looking forward to travelling back home in a different kit. I’ll be with our Under-19s for the CL youth game then I’ll sit with the rest of the RB staff in the stands watching the first-team.