Growing up, John Terry was my obvious idol. I based my whole game on him.
I was released by Chelsea at 14 years old. I remember it, a Tuesday night. On the Wednesday, I was training with Fulham, five minutes from my house, and then on the Thursday, I was training with West Ham. After one session at both clubs, they both wanted me.
You've got to test yourself against the best to know you are the best.
Without a doubt, the plan was always to stay at West Ham.
No one is guaranteed their place in the squad.
When Chelsea let me go, it was really deflating. For me, as a youngster, it's all I ever knew - living 10 minutes from the training ground, going to loads of the games.
I'm always composed, calm, and always believe in my own ability, and if I start well, then I end up having a good game, usually.
You're only out there for 90 minutes, and you have to give it everything you've got. It's a game of football, at the end of the day.
My pride at wearing the Irish shirt was always 100 per cent genuine. It was a great honour for myself and my family and something I will always cherish.
I've seen comparisons between myself and Bobby Moore. It's nice to be told there are similarities, but nobody will come close to him - what a player, what a man!
I don't read too much into things and look at social media. It's all a load of crap.
I've got to live up to some legends like Robbie Keane and Liam Brady.
No dream is far away.
I just have to stay focused and play football with a smile on my face.
If I didn't want to be playing for Ireland, I wouldn't be here.
I know that nothing can be taken for granted, and there is still a lot of hard work ahead of me. However, I am looking forward to the challenge of trying to prove to the England manager that I am worthy of a place in his team, and hopefully continuing to progress my career in the right direction.
Mark O'Toole from the FAI has looked after me well back in England to the point that I consider him a father figure.
The likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling - they give you all the confidence you need. They give you little pats on the back, tell you you're doing well.
I had to move away from home at 14 and live in a club house in Romford for three years, only seeing my mum and dad twice a week.
I like to do the simple things really well, keep the ball ticking.
