Stephen McPhail

HERE is a question and answer with City midfield Stephen McPhail from the Drogheda Independent.

Your favourite player? That would have to be Zidane. I could watch him all day. He was a great talent.

Your toughest opponent? I got a few kicks from Nicky Butt from time to time. I'd have to say him.

Your most memorable moment? I would have to say leading Cardiff City in the 2008 FA Cup final against Portsmouth.

Your worst moment? Let me think about this one. I would probably go for the play-off in the Championship in 2010 when Blackpool beat us. Cardiff had led twice in the game but lost it 3-2 in the end.

Best stadium you've played in? That must be the Nou Camp in Barcelona.

Best manager you've worked with? I always try to take a little piece from that. each manager and learn from was Working with Terry Venables incredible; as a bloke, he was top class. George Graham at Leeds was a great one too and Howard Wilkinson. I would also mention Malky Mackay.

Can Ireland win the European Championship? To be honest, I don't think so, especially with Spain there.

Biggest influence on your career? That would be my grandad, Paddy Dolan.

Your favourite other sport? Golf. I love playing the game during the summer especially. If you weren't a soccer player, what career path would you have followed? I'd have been a carpenter with my dad. I loved woodwork at school.

After the playing career ends, what next? Coaching would be good. I have a B Badge and I'd like to go further. What aims are left in your career? The older you get in this game more you appreciate your next match and that's particularly true in my case. play I want to stay fit and healthy and as much as I can until I can.

Which player would like to come up against? It must be Messi, who else! Your favourite jersey that you've from an opponent? I've kept a lot of my own jerseys to remind me of my career but I've a lot. Gary swapped with the Irish lads Kelly is a guy who helped me a lot and I treasure his jersey and Robbie Keane as well, a great team mate and professional.

Any lucky mascots? I tend to put on my boots, starting on the left side. But nothing major.