Athlete

I'm quite reasonable and level-headed.

I was playing first-team football at Cardiff at 16.

I went to many games with my dad, Kevin, and looked up to the players. It's surreal that now young fans are looking up to me.

Competition is to be expected at a club like Arsenal.

It's a massive difference when you play in front of full stadiums; you can sense the buzz around the players, and it helps us get that extra one or two per cent that may be the difference in games.

Central midfield has been my main position, but I'll play wherever the gaffer wants me.

I get the normal stats, like tackles and pass completion and high-intensity runs. I get them after every game to see how similar they are to every game and to make sure I'm hitting the targets - or not too far away from them.

Winning just makes you more determined to go on and do more.

I watch a lot of golf, but I'm only a fair-weather player.

I give everything when I'm on the pitch. When I'm at the training ground, working in the gym or whatever, I always give everything I've got.

I know my qualities.

I stay away from desserts, but every now and then, I have a sticky toffee pudding or a cup of tea with some biscuits.

Manchester City are a big team, and Chelsea are a big team.

You have to be on top of your game, train hard every day, and try to convince the boss throughout the week that he should put you in the team.

All I want to do is improve as a player.

I always had games on Saturdays as I was growing up.

It's nice to have it recognised that I'm doing well and to have people saying good things about me, but I try not to take too much interest. I just try to focus on my own game and what I need to do to improve.

I went to many games with my dad, Kevin, and looked up to the players. It's surreal that now young fans are looking up to me.

On away trips, I'll listen to my iPod sometimes or watch some TV, see what's on of a Friday or Saturday night - I'll usually save the TV box sets until I'm at home with the wife.

I want to be the complete midfielder, someone who can defend and attack. Steven Gerrard is someone who's done that very well over the years, and he is someone I am trying to emulate.