I would have loved to have played against Portsmouth on Sunday. I hated sitting there watching.

The hamstring injury is better now but would have probably ruled me out – even if I wasn’t suspended. In the end the suspension probably came at a good time.

I came off injured against Blackburn after feeling it in the second half. It happened last year but I carried on and then I was out for longer.

We have a tough run coming up, starting at Peterborough.

They have begun well, scoring a lot of goals but we need a victory. Whether it’s a scrappy 1-0, or whatever, we just need to start getting wins.

Shrewsbury are flying at the top of the division and that has surprised me. But if they can do it, anyone can.

I know one or two of the lads there and one of them was with me at Newport. Everything is just going for them. You would expect Shrewsbury to be down there but they are halfway to safety. They have a togetherness and a willingness to work. You have to work hard for each other.

On Monday night the Republic of Ireland beat Wales to progress to the World Cup qualifying play-offs.

I played for Ireland up to under-21 level and played in the Youth Olympics in Italy, winning a bronze medal.

Everybody wrote the Irish off against Wales. I know a few friends that travelled over and they said the atmosphere was brilliant. The Irish took over Cardiff.

Along with watching football, I am a big fan of The Apprentice.

I couldn’t see myself doing it but I wouldn’t mind doing some of the tasks. Maybe with my accent I could charm a few people and sell them stuff!

Read the full column in Thursday's Medway Messenger.