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.

There is such a belief in the squad that we could really do something.

I'm not the kind of player to see out my time and sit with my bum on the bench too much. I want to be involved. That's my character.

Nobody expects a footballer to have any kind of an IQ, which is a bit of an unfair stereotype.

For present buying, I go to Harrods because there are great personal shoppers, who point me in the right direction.

I admit I was somewhat concerned when we started to sign so many players - naturally you are going to worry about whether you can retain your place in the side.

Reading with my children is incredibly important to me and a wonderful way to spend time together as a family, exploring magical worlds through books and stories.