Interview taken from 'Sky Blue Review'; Ballymena United's match-day programme on 21/10/06 against Linfield. Interview conducted by Paul Irwin.

How did you get started in football? "I started playing GAA in a field round the back of my house as a kid, before playing football for my local side Seatown. I did play GAA for a few years, but realised I wanted to play football seriously and put all my energies into it."

Who have been your influences, both on and off the pitch? "When I was younger Peter Schmeichel was amazing. Playing football, I spent time with Nigel Martyn at Leeds and Ian Walker at Leicester, and learnt a lot from both of them. Off the pitch, my family and friends have always been behind me – my dad comes to most of our games to watch me."

What do you think of the squad at BUFC? "There is a lot of potential in the squad – it is a very young side which will develop together into a good strong team. I still think we are a good side, but a bit more experience could lead on to better things."

What are your initial thoughts on Tommy Wright? "He’s been brilliant since the first time he rang me in the summer. As soon as he got in touch I wanted to sign, and he has stuck to all the promises he has made to me. Apart from being a manager, the work he does with me in training also helps develop my game, I’m learning from him all the time."

What do you think of the setup of the club? "Unbelievable. Excellent training facilities and a fantastic stadium. The pitch is in good condition most of the time, but is seriously let down when the stock cars dig it up."

What do you think could be done to improve Irish League football and its attendances? "Actually, I was listening to Geoff Wilson (IFA Head of Marketing and Communications) on BBC Radio Ulster earlier, talking about the start of the marketing campaign “Pass on the Passion”, and hope this goes well. I never really followed football in the North until I started playing up here, but one of the things I noticed was the poor crowds, except for the derby games. I think there could be more marketing and broadcasting in the local community by the clubs themselves – posters around town, in schools etc."

Which grounds/opponents have impressed you in the Irish League? "Mourneview Park is excellent, Windsor Park is a good experience, and Ballymena Showgrounds is also an impressive stadium. I haven’t played at all grounds yet so look forward to getting round them all. The Ballymena fans are also fantastic – you can feel that they are just waiting for something to happen so they can cheer the lads on, and it’s great to hear them singing."

Have you any pre-match rituals or superstitions? "Since I was young I have always wore white bicycle shorts under my kit, and I always shave on a Friday!"

What are your ambitions for this season? "To finish 3rd or 4th and qualify for the Setanta Cup and European competition. Winning a trophy would be a bonus."

What is your preferred Ballymena United kit? "The back keeper’s kit. I’m not fussed at all on the bright green one I have to wear sometimes."

Coleraine fans are always keen to remind us how long it is since we’ve won a trophy – can we put that right this season? "We’ll give it our best shot – if we can get a good run going there’s nothing to stop us, and the Irish Cup is still there for us to win."

What do you think of the proposed new multi-sports stadium at the Maze? "I honestly haven’t heard that much about this, although I think the idea of a new International stadium is a good one. A bigger, and more modern stadium will tempt more families to the games and increase attendances."

What about the talks of a 10/12 team league? "Definitely should be smaller – I think a 12 team league would be just about right."

Are you married, or otherwise attached? "I have a girlfriend, Donna."

How do you like to unwind? "Quiet night in with my girlfriend and a DVD."

Name your favourite current band/song? "I like all R’n’B music."

Do you support any English football teams? "I follow Celtic in Scotland, but have little interest in English football."

What is your favourite holiday destination? "Portugal – The Algarve."

Finally, If you were on a desert island; pick three things? "Donna, my family and my friends."