I can't stress the importance of working hard enough, work on all aspects of your game. If you does that and you have the ability, you'll come through.

I am certainly not the most talented player in the world; there's many a more talented player than me.

My dad shaped the footballing side of me, and Mum shaped me as a person. I've always been very close to her - we've only ever had one argument, and that was over something stupid when I was 13.

I'm like everyone else: I want to play every game, but it's not possible.

But to be fair, Arsenal are a quality side. They're not where they are by chance - they are not top of the league and unbeaten because they are a bad team.

The advantage does lie with us because we're at home and if we can't motivate ourselves for this match then we can't motivate ourselves for any match. I think the crowd will be up for it as well.

I'm a very private person, and you have a lot of people looking into your personal life, away from football. That's the one thing that I don't like, but I always remember how lucky we are that we're playing football.