Deji Oshilaja looks to have closed the door on any return to AFC Wimbledon after setting his sights on a first-team place with parent club Cardiff.
London-born Oshilaja became a real fans' favourite during a 23-game loan spell with the Dons in the latter half of last season.
But boss Neal Ardley always felt the quality he showed would mean his future lay somewhere higher up the pyramid than the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
Those fears look to have been confirmed with 22-year-old Oshilaja seemingly determined to compete for a shirt with the Bluebirds, leaving Ardley a sizeable hole to fill in his rearguard.
"I'm determined to make an impact this season," he said after playing a part for Russell Slade's side in Saturday's pre-season draw with Shrewsbury.
"I've played league football on loan for Newport County, Sheffield Wednesday and AFC Wimbledon, which was great and I'm backing myself to make progress.
"My aim was to give the gaffer (Slade) something to think about. He is a manager who gives young players a chance. He showed that by backing Kadeem Harris and Joe Ralls last year.
"The more I'll play the more confidence I'll have and that will help me."
It is clear Oshilaja feels the 'apprenticeship' with the Wombles has been good preparation for a crack at Championship-level football.
Ardley will hope such an endorsement will act to convince another loanee or budding young talent to trust themselves to his tutelage.
"Gaining League experience at Wimbledon helped me immensely," added Oshilaja.
"Facing diferent strikers, big and small, with various playing styles made me learn quickly."
Adedji Oshilaja's Dons horror fall in pictures:
