INTERVIEWINSIDE NUMBER 26
There is nothing, really special behind it. I moved to Dundee
United where I was going to get my first squad number and it
was one of the numbers available.
It’s been pretty good for me though and then I was able to
wear it at Hull City and now here too. It’s become even more
special to be later on too as my son was born on the 26th so
while it didn’t have too much meaning at first it certainly does
now and I can’t see ever changing it.
HENRIK WAS MY BHOY
I don’t think it’s a secret that I’m a big Celtic fan. When I was
younger I used to go to every single game with all the family and
loved watching the team growing up.
Our main man was Henrik Larsson and probably every Celtic
fan of my generation idolises and looks up to him because he
was such a special talent. The best part of his career was with
Celtic and fortunately we got to see some special goals and
special performances from him.
TOP-NOTCH TRENT
Trent and myself have a lot of banter and make fun out of each
other and have competitions and things like that, but when it
comes down to serious matters. jokes are put to one side and,
for me, Trent’s currently the best right full-back in the world.
With the age he’s at, he’s only going to get better. The
numbers he produces for assists are phenomenal and he’s
taken his game to a whole new level. Some people question his
defending but I would disagree. He’s such a strong defender, not
many people get by him one-v-one and people can forget that
he’s only 21 and you are going to make mistakes at that age. Any
that he does make. he more than makes up for with his assists
and all the chances he creates for this team.
Maybe Trent’s helped re-define perceptions of modern full-
backs. The role started evolving maybe 10 years ago with players
like Ashley Cole and Philipp Lahm, and you can look at the
Premier League now and see Ben Chilwell and Ricardo Pereira
doing amazing things at Leicester City.
But me and Trent have been coming up with numbers
probably not seen before. It’s become a more desirable position
and you get a lot of big transfers in that position now too.
Maybe clubs are seeing it as an important position now rather
than failed wingers like it used to be!ME AND TRENT HAVE
A LOT OF BANTER BUT
WHEN IT COMES DOWN
TO THE SERIOUS STUFF,
THE JOKES ARE PUT
TO ONE SIDE