It will be difficult to let go but it is going to happen sooner rather than later in my case.

A difficult decision for the referee's assistant. I wouldn't beat him up over it.

I never felt I would get to the stage where I would to have to actively think about retiring from international football as I always thought it would pass me by.

I wouldn't even mention myself in the same breath as someone like big Paul.

Looking back I find it hard to believe that I could forge a career in anything other than football but I didn't do too badly in my final exams and there were a few business-related courses that interested me.

I find the growing intervention by the football authorities in strictly footballing matters a rather worrying trend.

I became more confident within myself and matured as a person and become a little bit more opinionated - maybe the lads might say a little bit too opinionated for their liking but that is just a natural progression for a player.