I used to love watching him as a player, so it is a joy to play alongside him. I might take the mickey out of him, but deep down I have so much admiration for him.

I have always wanted to come and play in MLS so it’s the perfect combination for me and a dream come true.

At Leeds I've tried to concentrate on my club form, but you get caught up in all the World Cup fever once you come back to Ireland and see all the Irish boys again.

Top players don't come much topper than Gerrard and Carragher

It's always nice to start off with a good result.

I had expected to be playing in the reserves and, all going well, that I might get a chance in the first team towards the end of the season. But it has all happened much faster than I could ever have thought.

We have a great sense of togetherness. It is our team spirit that has taken us to this World Cup.