Interview taken from 'Sky Blue Review'; Ballymena United's match-day programme on 14/02/09 against Crusaders. Interview conducted by Bill Wray.

Pictures: www.presseye.com

Tell us a bit about your early football memories.

"I had a big interest in football from a very early age and this was always supported by my dad who comes to every game I play and has done from the start. He has had the biggest influence on my career to date. I started playing for a local team Castle Colts, and played there for one and a half years before moving to Greenisland Boys Club.

"I played there until under-15's. I really enjoyed playing for Greenisland and currently do some coaching there with the under-13's and I think they have a great setup. I then moved on to Linfield and spent a year there before coming here to Ballymena. I spent two seasons in the Reserves where I played under David Dorrian who also coached me at Greenisland and I believe he had a big influence on me as a player."

When did you join Ballymena United?

"I joined Ballymena United in the 2006/2007 season in the hope of being able to capture a first team place. I have had to work very hard and it has taken some time but I am now in my third year at the club. I have secured a position as left back or left wing back and I am really enjoying playing for the club. I played my first two seasons for the Reserves, making a few substitute appearances for the first team."

You have come through from the youth setup. What was that like? What was playing for the successful Reserve team like?

"Playing for the Reserves in the year we won the league was great as was the year we came runners-up and only just missed out on winning the league again. We had a great team spirit and were all close friends. We had lots of confidence throughout the team and often ended up winning most games comfortably. It was great to get a winners medal and I hope there is more silverware to come for me at Ballymena United."

What is your preferred position?

"My preferred position is probably left back as I feel most comfortable there. But I am also really enjoying playing left wing back especially as this gives me more licence to get forward. I was able to get my first senior goal for Ballymena playing in that position and that was a great moment for me."

You made your full debut this season against Linfield. Did you know in advance that you were going to be playing in that game?

"I really enjoyed the game and it went really well with the whole team putting in a great performance, and we were able to get the win with the help of two wonder strikes from Kevin Kelbie. I knew on the Thursday night at training as the boss has a talk with me telling me he would be putting me in at left-back and just telling me to be confident and play my own game. I remember the match well, and as I said it was great we got the win and the whole team played very well. It was a good game for me and I gained a lot of confidence from that match."

How have you settled into the first team?

"I am really enjoying playing in the first team and have settled in well. We have a very good squad and a very good manager and coaching staff, and we have picked up our game in the last few months. We have got some very good results and we need to maintain this right to the end of the season."

How do you prepare for a game? Have you any routines on match day?

"I don't really have any superstitions, I just ensure I prepare well. I try to ensure I eat well and drink plenty the day before and the day of the game and just get as much rest as I can."

The team has had a very good run of form over the last couple of months. Can you put that down to any particular factor?

"For some reason things just weren't happening for us and results weren't going our way but everyone kept working hard. When results started to go our way we all gathered confidence. This confidence then brought the level of each other's game up and we are giving more convincing performances and getting the results to go with it. We just need to maintain this to the end of the season to get the highest league position possible."

What is the spirit like in the dressing room?

"The spirit in the dressing room is good, especially now we are doing well as a team. There are a few characters, but the main ones have to be Stuarty and Picky who bounce off each other and always have everyone laughing."

What are your ambitions (both personally and as a team)?

"Well, I was selected to play for the Under-21's in Scotland which was a great experience, but didn't quite make it back into the squad for the Wales match as I am on standby instead. But for me this is still a great achievement, but an ambition of mine is to try to keep pushing for a place and maintain my place in and around the squad. I also want to maintain my place in our team as the squad is growing and there is a lot of competition for places. For the team it would be great if we could win some sort of silverware as the fans have waited a long time for some, and I myself would love to be part of a cup or league winning side."

Major influences on your career so far?

"As I stated earlier, my dad has been a big influence on my career so far, coming to watch every game and talking me through the game. David Dorrian and the other coaches that worked with at Greenisland and then with me here at the Reserves have also played a big part in my career. And then finally Roy Walker has also had a massive impact on my career by giving me my first full debut in senior football and sticking with me since. And I have learnt a lot about my game this year."

How do you like to relax when you are not training or playing?

"When I am not training or playing I relax by hanging out with my mates, playing a bit of Pro Evo, or spending time with my girlfriend."