Nickname
Just ‘Deadly’. I’m not sure why, probably just because it rhymes!
Club supported as a boy
Growing up in Cardiff I was always a City fan and it’s great to play for the team you support. I used to watch Liverpool as well.
Strengths
My work rate has always been pretty good and playing in midfield I pass a lot, so my passing has to be decent.
Weaknesses
My right foot. I try to practise using it in training as much as I can to develop it – shooting and passing mainly.
I play a bit like...
I wouldn’t say I play like him, but I love watching Steven Gerrard. He’s a player that loves to get forward and attack – he’s great to watch.
Career highlight
My professional debut for Cardiff City at MK Dons and making it into the first team. I remember my first start away at Brighton. I hit the post and had one cleared off the line – not bad!
Lowlight
I broke my metatarsal. I’m not sure why everyone keeps breaking them at the moment, maybe it’s the boots, but I was out of action for about six weeks. It was really frustrating.
Toughest opponent
Ronaldinho, when I was playing for Wales. He’s a bit tasty, isn’t he? He has everything – skill, passing, shooting – a great player. I didn’t get a chance to try and tackle him because he was too far away on the other side of the pitch. It meant I couldn’t swap shirts with him either, but I did get Cicinho’s jersey.
Best player played with
Probably Ryan Giggs for Wales.
Last time a team-mate amazed you
I wouldn’t say a team-mate, but when Sam Hamann comes down to the pitch side, or into the dressing rooms – that’s pretty mad!
Biggest influence
My mum and dad – they’ve always been there for me and supported me – they still come and watch my games now. Some of the coaches at Cardiff have been very supportive, too.
Best advice given
I think just to enjoy the game. Several coaches have said to enjoy it while you can because you never know how long it will last so that’s what I try to do: enjoy it every day.
Biggest practical joker
There are a few here who fancy themselves. Michael Chopra and Neil Cox, when he was here, loved a joke. Thankfully I’ve not been on the receiving end of one. Yet.
Latest iPod download
Any kind of hip-hop really. I’ve been listening to a lot of Pharrell recently.
Flicks
Anything with Denzel Washington in it – he’s definitely my favourite actor and he’s hardly ever done a bad film.
Chicks
There’s a couple to choose from. I’ll go for Jessica Simpson.
Wheels
I’m driving an Audi A3 at the moment.
What other sports do you enjoy?
Golf. I’ve just started playing – there are loads of courses round the Cardiff area.
Tell us something about you we don’t know
I’m trying to teach myself to play the guitar. It’s early days at the moment – there’s a long way to go!
TV Programmes
Deal or No Deal – it’s the footballer’s favourite show!
If I hadn’t been a footballer...
I probably would have been a carpet fitter to be honest. That’s what my dad does – he has his own business – so I’d have probably ended up in the same line.
With your first pay packet...
I bought my dad a new car – it’s a Rover 75.
If you could play alongside any player...
Steven Gerrard, without a doubt. He’s class.
In five years time I’ll be...
Hopefully playing in the Premiership with Cardiff City.
From the March 2007 issue of FourFourTwo.
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression
‘Scoring in a World Cup is like winning the title – can you imagine millions of people celebrating something you did? It’s insane and made me very proud’: Brazil legend explains how much 2002 goal meant to him
