Interview taken from 'Sky Blue Review'; Ballymena United's match-day programme on 03/03/07 against Linfield. Interview conducted by Paul Irwin.

How did you get started in football? "I went for a trial with the very first St Andrews team when I was an eight year old, and played with them through to the Under 16's, before moving to Linfield Rangers. From there I joined Distillery Under 18's, then moved to Ballyclare Comrades when I was twenty and played there for two seasons before Kenny Shiels signed me for Coleraine. I played with Coleraine for two and a half years before Linfield signed me and I stayed there for five or six seasons. Between the ages of thirteen and sixteen I also went over to the Manchester United School of Excellence during the summer and halloween holidays."

Who have been your influences, both on and off the pitch? "Alan Campbell was a great influence on me when I was at Ballyclare Comrades, making me realise I had a lot to offer the Irish League and giving me the belief to go on to bigger and better things. I have a lot of respect for Kenny Shiels who brought me to Coleraine, and to David Jeffrey at Linfield and Tommy Wright at Ballymena United. Players whom I have played with, including Glenn Ferguson and Noel Bailie, have also made a huge difference to my style of play and confidence."

What do you think of the squad at BUFC? "Unbelievable. We have a lot of great young talent in the squad, and without doubt we will be amongst the top teams in the league within a year or two. We have put in some great performances and showed how good we can be, and the consistency will come with time and practise playing together. The younger players still have a lot to learn, sometimes believing the so-called smaller sides in the league will be easier games, but I know every match will be tough. They are learning fast though, and I believe we will reap the benefits of this in the near future."

What are your initial thoughts on Tommy Wright? "He's a brilliant manager, and has given me a new lease of life at Ballymena. He will praise you when you play well, but equally will let you know if you haven't played as well as he knows you can, and he has high expectations and ambition. Between him, Jim Grattan and Geoff Montgomery, they have really began to turn around the fortunes of the club, as is evident in the reserves who have beaten Linfields reserves twice this season."

What do you think of the setup of the club? "Ballymena United is one of the best clubs in the league, and the facilities are without doubt THE best. Tommy and the staff around him have laid solid foundations for us to build upon, and a year or two down the line this will come to fruition. We have the biggest, and most loyal, support outside of the big two, and the supporters have the same ambitions as the management, pushing us to strive for success."

What do you think could be done to improve Irish League football and its attendances? "I think possibly summer football, Friday night games, and something like a winter break may make a difference. I think the biggest single thing which could be done would be to move all amateur and junior matches to earlier on Saturdays, giving those who play/watch these games the chance to have a few drinks and take in a game in the afternoon."

Which grounds/opponents have impressed you in the Irish League? "I'd have to say Mourneview Park as a ground - it's compact and the pitch is always in good condition. As for opponents, this season nobody has really impressed me that much. We haven't really been outplayed in any game, and it seems like every mistake we make has been punished which has been hard at times to take. Out of all the teams, I'd say Linfield and Portadown are the two toughest teams out there."

Have you any pre-match rituals or superstitions? "Nope."

What are the main differences between being at Linfield and being at Ballymena United? "Half an hour up the motorway! It took a little while to get used to moving to Ballymena, but both clubs have a very professional setup and there isn't really a huge difference between the clubs."

Who will win the league? Who will win the cup? "I think Linfield will win the league. They are sitting three points clear at the top of the table and I believe they have the squad, nerve and bottle to go on and win it. We always take one game at a time, but we will win the Irish Cup!"

What is your preferred Ballymena United kit? "The white away kit is nicer, and the socks on the home kit are too thick! Kevin Kelbie says he prefers the away kit because it shows off his tan more."

What do you think of the proposed new multi-sports stadium at the Maze? "The stadium should be kept in Belfast, somewhere central, as Lisburn is too much out of the way. Personally, I'd rather Windsor Park was renovated for the national team, with Linfield moving to a new purpose built ground."

What about the talks of a 10/12 team league? "Without a shadow of a doubt the number of teams in the league has to be reduced. Attendances from some clubs are terrible, and some of the smaller clubs depend on the revenue brought by playing the bigger teams to keep them alive. I'd probably go for ten teams, playing each other twice, and either bring in another cup competition or extend the Setanta Cup."

Who is the worst dressed at the club? "It used to be Paul Brown, but this is no longer the case with Gavin Melaugh having signed. He actually brought copies of the Big Issue to sell at a training session last week!"

Are you married, or otherwise attached? "I'm getting married on the 1st June to my girlfriend of fifteen years, Julie-Ann, and have a girl, Yazmin, who is one and a half years old. Crusaders player David Rainey will be my best man at the wedding."

How do you like to unwind? "I like to go home on a Saturday night and relax with Julie-Ann, watching a DVD or film, or go out for a few drinks with her and a few mates (Stuart King being one)."

Name your favourite current band/song? "Razorlight - America."

Do you support any English football teams? "I support Manchester United and Rangers."

What is your favourite holiday destination? "Cancun, Mexico. My sister got married to David Rainey there in 2000, with myself and Paul Leeman (Glentoran) as best men."

Finally, If you were on a desert island; pick three things? "Julie-Ann, Yazmin, and a TV with Sky Sports. I definately wouldn't want Stuart King or Darren Fitzgerald there as their jokes are woeful!