What was the first football match you went to?

My first game would have been at Roker Park, to see Sunderland. I can't remember the exact game, but that’s where it would have been, when I was very young.

What were your first pair of football boots?

I can’t remember what type, but they were probably Nike.

What was the first football kit you owned?

Probably the Sunderland kit, I definitely would have had a Sunderland shirt when I was very young. I think I can remember having a reversible Barcelona one as well, that was gold on one side.

What was the first team you played for?

Fulwell Juniors.

Who was your first coach?

You’re testing my memory! I’m older than everyone else, it was longer ago for me. I can’t remember, sorry.

Who was your first room-mate on away trips?

I played in the youth team with Martyn Waghorn. That was the youngest, I think, we were youth team age.

Who was your first professional game against?

In the Premier League it was against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. I can remember it well because we lost 5-0! We were 3-0 down at half-time, and I came on, so it was not great. But it was a good Chelsea team we were playing against. I think my first-ever match for Sunderland was in a pre-season game against Ajax.

Who was your first professional goal against?

Professionally, I think it was for Coventry when I was on loan, against Norwich away in the Championship.

What was your first emotion when you signed for Chelsea?

It was a huge opportunity I couldn’t turn down. I was very excited to get going.