Interview taken from 'Sky Blue Review'; Ballymena United's match-day programme on 12/04/08 against Coleraine. Interview conducted by Bill Wray.

How did you get started in football?

"I started playing in the street and at school like most kids, before joining Oxford United, where Stuart King played at the same time. When I got older I had trials with a variety of clubs, including Manchester City, Celtic, Arsenal and Coventry, and ended up signing with Aston Villa, where I spent six years."

Who have been the influences on your career to date?

"I can be thankful I had a father who was willing to take me wherever I needed to go for training and matches. The coach I had when I was at Aston Villa, Kevin McDonald, was the best coach of my career and I learnt a lot from him. I've played with some great players too, such as Paul Merson, David Ginola, Steve Staunton, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Paul Gascoigne."

How did you come to make the move to Ballymena United - Was it a hard decision?

"Before I left the Glens to join Donegal Celtic, Tommy had already tried to sign me, but it didn't work out the first time. Tommy came back in for me in the January transfer window though, and as I wasn't playing too well and DC were struggling, I decided that coming to the Showgrounds would be a good move. Donegal Celtic agreed, and didn't stand in my way."

How have you found playing in the Premier League?

"It was very hard when I first came back, it's a lot different from what I was used to, but the more I play the easier it becomes. The pitches aren't the best, but I really enjoy playing and it's a great way to spend a Saturday - there are some fantastic games in the Irish League."

Have you a special fitness/training regime or do you stick to the club training schedule?

"I would visit the gym a few days every week and do a lot of weights to keep up my strength."

Who have you found to be the best or toughest opponents that you have come up against?

"Glenn Ferguson is one of the best players in the Irish League, and Paddy McCourt who plays for Derry City. Paddy played for Rochdale, and is getting better every time I see him. He was incredibly good when I played for Glentoran against Derry City in the Setanta Cup."

How do you think the season has gone so far from both a team and also a personal perspective?

"From a team perspective, we've had two bad runs and one good run. When we're on our good run of form, we where flying, but then silly mistakes which had been punishing us in the earlier part of the season started creeping back in, and these small things added up to our second run of bad form. We do have the skill in the team, but perhaps if we'd finished 4th this season we'd only be papering over the cracks and wouldn't realise the amount of work we still have to do to become a trophy winning side. On a personal level, I've played most of our games, and have been getting more consistent since I was moved from the right into the middle of the park. I've even scored a couple of goals now, and I'm happy with how things are going."

What other sports or hobbies are you into?

"I'm currently busy working on a degree, but I love films, would read the odd book and I enjoy cooking and eating. I also like travelling, have visited Barcelona and Berlin in recent years, and am going backpacking in Italy this summer before my brother gets married in Rome."

What are your best moments in your career so far?

"Winning the league and two cups with Glentoran, winning a few 'Player of the Year' awards from Glentoran supporter's clubs that season. I was on the bench for the Northern Ireland senior squad, and also for Aston Villa against Newcastle. I enjoyed scoring for Rochdale against Wolves in the last 16 of the FA Cup."

Finally, what hopes and aspirations do you have for your football career?

"Like all young footballers, I had loads of ambitions, but now I've found my level in the Irish League and am very happy with this. I just want to go on giving my best for as long as I can."