First game you watched live?
I’m struggling to remember, but it was Everton in either the Milk Cup or FA Cup final and I was about eight. I went with my great uncle and cousin as they were Everton fans. As a Liverpool fan, I remember feeling I had to sit on my hands. It was the only time I went to the old Wembley. We had to leave early to get down there and even though I wasn’t supporting any of the sides, you still got that buzz of going to ‘the home of football’.
First football hero?
Being a Liverpool fan, it would have been John Barnes (below), who played in a similar position to me, and guys like Ian Rush. In time, it became the likes of Steve McManaman who used to run with the ball and beat a man, score goals and set them up. But Barnes stood out more than anyone else. He had that modern-day flair where he could do something extraordinary and get people off their seats. He was a match-winner and someone you wanted to try to emulate.
First pair of boots?
I can’t remember the first pair, but I remember winning £100 on holiday and I spent it on a pair of Puma Kings, with the big white tongues. They were the first pair I ever bought with my own money. I then moved on to Copa Mundials and Umbro Specialis. I had the Specialis for a long time and they were probably the most comfortable boots I ever bought.
First kit?
The first kit I ever had bought for me was a Manchester United kit. There is a picture of me in a United kit from when I was six or seven. My dad was always trying to get me to support United, but I followed Liverpool. My granddad was a big influence and he supported Liverpool. I wanted to be like him. It has stuck ever since.
First professional game?
I came on for Morecambe against Yeovil Town in a 2-0 defeat and I really enjoyed it. I was just buzzing to get back and tell everyone I had made my debut. I was at Preston as a kid but had a bad knee injury in the year building up to when they picked their scholars and was released. I didn’t really play until I got to college and I was spotted by Dickie Danson at Morecambe. I worked my way through the ranks and, after all the hard work, I was just overjoyed to get to the point where I made my debut. I had given up on being a footballer, if I am honest.
First professional goal?
It was in a 5-0 win against Northwich. Throughout my career I scored seven or eight a season and I’m sure the first meant a lot to me at the time – I can’t remember it now!
First red card?
It was for Morecambe against Lancaster in a reserve game. I have only been sent off three times and one of them was a few weeks ago.
