On first meeting Martin O'Neill after Celtic v Rangers match in the club's Directors' box

Our first conversation didn't get off to a good start, because the first thing that Martin said to me was, 'I think you shold have played in the World Cup. '

I said: ‘ why?’

And Martin said: ‘Well, you know’

And I said: ‘You weren’t there. You don’t know what went on.’

He said: ‘I just wanted to say that.’

And I was back at him: ‘you’re entitled to your opinion but, you know, there’s a lot more to it than you think.’

On all the things he and O’Neill have in common, Sunderland, being Irish, having daughters with nearly the same name

Martin’s really into American Football and I like American Football. I used to watch it on Channel 4, on a Sunday night, when I was a kid. My grandmother used to go mad when I’d put it on.

On his role and figuring it out.

Over the years I’ve played different roles. Sometimes I don’t know what role I’m playing. I’m a family man, I’m a Corkman, a TV pundit; I’m a critic; I was a player with a skinhead. I felt like an actor sometimes, Maybe we’re all like that – I don’t know.

On being involved in training but not being in charge.

The sessions are short, our time with the players is short, and Martin has vast experience. But at club level, when there are a lot more training sessions. I like to get a feel for the group of players myself and make quick decisions myself; I like the responsibility. ‘You’re off tomorrow, lads; you’ve trained really hard.’ When you’re the assistant you can’t make those calls, and I think, ultimately, that it might frustrate me.