'What it means to skipper the U18s'

The scouse-born Ireland youth international is a tenacious customer who is equally comfortable at right back or in central defence.

Here he tells us what it means to skipper his boyhood heroes, what he regards as his most embarrassing moment and why Peter Aylmer gets some serious stick.

Who would win at 'skill skool'?

It wouldn't be me. I'd be up there as one of the worst if I'm honest. I've got no skills at all. I'd probably say Tom Walsh. He's a bit flash with his flicks and he tries all sorts of mad stuff. It can't half confuse you!

If you could holiday anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Hawaii. I'm a big fan of the USA. It's a boss place and I reckon Hawaii would be the perfect location to relax in.

Last album downloaded?

Chris Brown's 'Fame.' It's not my usual style though. I usually like a bit of dance music and stuff that is quite loud. But that album is decent.

Last film watched?

The Inbetweeners film. It's very funny. Neil is my favourite character in it.

Favourite TV show?

I'll get stick for it but it's got to be Coronation Street. I've watched it for years and I'm hooked.

Worst dresser?

Peter Aylmer. He's got some bad gear! You constantly find yourself asking him 'why have you bought that!?' It really is strange.

Worst taste in music?

Probably David Moli or Henoc Mukendi. They listen to stuff that has no melody. It's just people talking!

Best mate in the squad?

Josh Sumner, Lewis Hatch, Adam Morgan and Peter Aylmer are all great mates. If I had to pick one I'd really struggle so I'll just stick with those four.

Best moment in football so far?

When I was in one of the lower age groups we played Everton and won 14-0. I was a striker back then and scored four goals. That was a great moment. I also helped my school, Holy Name  Primary School win a cup way back in the day. I had a good game!

What about being the U18s' captain this season?

Of course, that's up there too. It's hard to describe how pleased I am to be captain. I've been here since the age of nine. I used to play as a striker which isn't a position you would associate with the skipper so it's great for me to have the honour this year. It's especially pleasing because I'm a local lad who has supported Liverpool all of my life and gone to so many matches as a kid. 

Worst or most embarrassing moment relating to football...

It's probably the fact that I have passed my driving test but still get the bus in. You see a lot of the older lads in nice cars at the Academy and it can be a bit embarrassing when you are standing at the bus stop and they cruise past you in a smart car! 

Which teammates would you least like to introduce to your parents?

I don't know.... Adam Morgan...no... I'll say Peter Aylmer. The bad gear he wears will scare them!

If you could take one of the lads to have their haircut, who would it be?

Definitely Baio. He needs to sort that barnet out. It's shocking. He needs to get a skinhead.

Teammate who spends longest in the mirror?

Kris Peterson or Tom Walsh. No need to think about that one. They are never out of the mirror.

Best ever player in your position?

Jamie Carragher. He's my idol. He's a defender and he plays for my team, Liverpool.

Best thing about playing for LFC?

I was born in the city and I've grown up with all my mates supporting Liverpool. Now I play for that club. It's crazy but it's fantastic too.

And just finally, what are your thoughts on today's game v Portsmouth - a long way to go!?

It'll be a tough game and it's miles away too so it's not ideal for preparations. It's just one of those things that you have to do in football and I'm sure we'll keep ourselves entertained on the coach down there. Hopefully we'll get the win and come home happy.