Interview taken from 'Sky Blue Review'; Ballymena United's match-day programme on 14/11/09 against Institute. Interview conducted by Bill Wray.

Pictures: www.presseye.com

Tell us a bit about your football career?

My football career has been a strange one with many ups and downs and a long period where I never kicked a football competitively for five years. After I left Moorfields Primary School I went to Cambridge House Grammar where football wasn't an option so I played rugby as all my mates played it. When I left school I started playing for Braid United in the Saturday Morning League as my mates played for them and that was some of the most enjoyable moments of my football career to date.

From Braid United I went to Chimney Corner under Shay Hamill for a couple of years then left and went back to Braid. It got to a stage where I wasn't enjoying football and Chimney Corner were going through a period of uncertainty. I then played for both Braid United and Raceview, in the morning and afternoon. Within a year I had signed for Ballymoney United under Joe McCall. After three years I then made the move to my hometown club, Ballymena.

How have you found he step up to the Premiership this season?

It’s been tougher than I first expected. It's really fast and physical so I've found that I've had to adapt to this side of the game. I’ve also found that the players are much more experienced and mentally tougher. I have faith in my ability so hopefully I can take my chances when they come my way. It’s good to know that the fans are on my side being a local lad so they will give me every chance to do well (I hope).

Who have been the main influences in your career so far?

To be honest there have been quite a few. At Ballymoney I improved greatly in the three years I was there thanks to Joe McCall and Sammy McVicker whose top quality coaching and management were first class. I wouldn't be surprised to see them at the top level in Irish League football very soon. My Family (mum, dad and big brother) have obviously been a major influence and my girlfriend Pamela, who you will probably hear shouting her head off home and away, have supported me at every game at every club.

Oh and I cant forget Richard (Dick) McClean and Ian Young who played at and are currently in charge of my first club Braid United. I loved playing for them, they made football enjoyable.

You were involved in the Irish Universities squad in the summer. What was that like?

It was a great experience from start to finish and the scale of the event was larger than I ever imagined. The standard of football was really high and at times was a joy to watch, even though most of the time it was by the opposition. In the end our results didn’t reflect our performances but the different styles of play I witnessed will hopefully benefit me in the future. It was also nice to see Belgrade, however the food is something I don’t miss at all. It was the chance of a lifetime and unless something out of the ordinary happens I don't think I will get a similar chance again so I savoured every minute.

A lot has been said about the spirit and camaraderie in the side this season. How good is it?

Considering our inconsistency the spirit has been great. We are a close knit squad who bounce off each other and the craic is always brilliant. There are a few characters around and to be honest it wouldn’t be hard to guess who the jokers are. I like the fact that we are a predominantly young squad and we all get on really well. It’s a youthfulness that brings about energy both on the training ground and the pitch. We really believe that we are as good as any other team in the league and our performances have shown that, with a little bit of luck, we could soar up the league.

It's a young squad, especially the defensive unit. How difficult (or not) has that been for you and the other lads?

As I mentioned previously it's great to have a young energetic squad around and shows the vision of the club and the management staff. However it does have its downside. When things are going well it’s great but people do start to call it an inexperienced squad rather than a young squad when we suffer a defeat which I suppose is sometimes evident but in my opinion it can only be a good thing. Young and old, we’re all hungry for success and we have a good blend within our squad. For me personally, this squad can achieve so much in the next few years.

Any hopes, aspirations or personal targets for the season?

To play as much first team football as possible is my main aspiration and so far things are going well. When I transferred from Ballymoney Roy told me I would get a fair crack of the whip and he has been true to his word. I suppose it's no secret that as a club we want to finish in the top six and we definitely feel we are more than capable of achieving this. Finishing in the top six would bring about significant benefits to not only the club but also the fans.