My dad got me my first pair of boots. It was a big occasion for us to go to the shopping centre. It was an exciting time to make sure you got the right ones.

On a matchday, I like tie-up my right boot on the pitch before kick-off. I ll tie my laces in the changing room, walk out and then untie my right boot and tie it up again. It s one of those things - I ve always done it! I do it before every match.

I was here at Spurs as a kid, too, and I cleaned David Ginola and David Howells boots. I got a nice tip of £60 from each of them at Christmas. Howells was quick to give me this but I had to ask Les Ferdinand to explain to Ginola about our boot etiquette and the tradition of tipping at Christmas. Everyone wanted to clean Les Ferdinand s boots because he was the best tipper. He gave out £100 one year.

I'm confident enough to say I was better than my mates! But with the different competitions I did play with some good players, who didn't make it for whatever reason. I was lucky enough to be able to do what I love, and my mates have continued to play at a lower level and really enjoy it, I know that's exactly what I'd be doing if I wasn't here today.

I usually wear moulded boots for training, but I mainly wear studs in matches unless it s really dry.

I have my boots custom-fitted in Cardiff. Everyone s feet are different, so to get measured up is a great bonus. You stand in a cast and they make moulds of your feet. It takes a couple of hours and then they have my exact size and precise measurements for the boot. That's makes them extra comfortable for me.

I always stick with the same pair if I am on a scoring streak. I wouldn't change them until I go a game without scoring.