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How else do you wind down away from football?
Just the usual sort of stuff really, nothing of great interest. I like to go around town a lot, usually with Steve Finnan. We'll usually look in a few shops and go for a bite to eat. As I've said though, with such a hectic schedule it's only occasionally we get to do this and most of the time is spent just resting up for the next game.
Do you think that since joining Liverpool you have become more of a prominent public figure and is this something you are comfortable with?
I'd have to say so yes. But saying that you can't miss me can you? I am definitely recognisable. No-one could miss me [laughs]! Seriously though, I think that when you join a club like Liverpool you have to be ready for the recognition that comes with it. Of course you are going to be under the spotlight a lot more. People do take a greater interest in you and it's something you just have to accept. It's part of the territory and not a problem.
You're currently living in Macclesfield but do you have any plans to move to Liverpool?
Yes, I'm looking around for a place at the moment. I'm renting in Cheshire at the minute but I don't want to rush into anything. I am looking to be here for a long, long time and so I want to ensure I make the right choice.
Unlike some players who join this club you have never claimed to be a Liverpool supporter but there is some confusion as to what club you followed as a boy. Can you clear this up?
My dad was a massive Chelsea fan and I used to go with him to Stamford Bridge quite regularly but my mates were all QPR fans and so I used to also go to some games at Loftus Road with them. I never really classed myself as a fan of either but since playing for QPR I'd say my allegiance is more towards them. They are the team whose results I look out for. I don't care for Chelsea anymore; there is no allegiance there whatsoever. In fact, seeing as they are our rivals now, I hope they lose every game!
Have you always been a striker and who would you say were your boyhood idols?
Yes, I've always played up front. When my dad took me to Chelsea I think Kerry Dixon was probably the one going forward and scoring all the goals so I'd say he was a hero of mine back then. There was also Roy Wegerle at QPR; he was a fantastic player in his day.
What current strikers do you most admire?
There are a lot of top class current strikers but I think Henry is top class, he's been doing it for years, and obviously Van Nistelrooy is in a similar vein. But as a joy to watch I think Ronaldinho. Three of them together in the same team would be joy to watch.
What about Robbie Fowler, Liverpool's newest striker, how surprising was it to see him back at Anfield?
It was a big surprise. We, the players, hadn't heard anything about it. Then all of a sudden it was announced that he'd signed. It came completely out of the blue. Robbie is a top class player and someone I have admired for a long time. He's scored some amazing goals throughout his career and is a legend in these parts. I am really pleased he joined and hopefully I can learn from him. It's a privilege to be playing in the same team alongside him.
How would you say he's settled back in?
It's like he's never been away. Of course, I wasn't here during his first spell with the club but he's knuckled down well and has really been working hard.
Liverpool one Manchester United nil in the FA Cup – are you aware of how much pleasure your winning goal in this game has given the fans?
Liverpool against Man United is probably the biggest fixture in English football and so to get the winner was certainly something special, especially after the way our hearts were broken against them in the last minute at Old Trafford. I think beating them in the FA Cup makes up for that. It was a deserved victory; we competed with them, played at a high tempo and probably created the better chances. It was an enjoyable win and that fact it meant so much to the fans makes it even more special.
Despite that goal is there still a concern among the strikers about the current lack of goals?
A striker's main job is to score goals and, obviously, we are all want to be hitting the back of the net on a regular basis. But as long as we are scoring goals as a team then there isn't much of a problem. Obviously, Robbie’s come in now and competition for places is more intense. Because of his signing, all the strikers will have to play well and start scoring to stay in the team.
During a barren run like this, do Rafa and his coaching staff put on any specialised training sessions for the strikers?
Not really. Occasionally we may do something different but the boss normally prefers us to work together as a team. I often stay behind though to work on my finishing, as do some of the other lads.
Your goal against United apart, which other strike has given you most satisfaction this season?
Obviously the first one against Wigan was very, very special. I also enjoyed the one against West Brom but I don't think you can get much better than scoring in a Merseyside Derby. I remember before the game Steven Gerrard said to me 'if you score today it will count as double for the fans'. He was right, it was an amazing feeling to open the scoring for us that night and set us up for the win.
Describe what would be your dream goal and against which opposition you'd score it against?
I scored quiet a nice one in Japan so I'd go for something like that against maybe Everton in the FA Cup Final, last minute winner. Don't think you could get much better than that!
Do you think that working with Rafa Benitez has improved you as a player?
Without a doubt. When you are at a big club you have to adapt to how the team plays and my game has certainly come on as a result of playing in this team. There are so many great players at the club and they've all helped improve my ability to play different roles.
We've heard a lot about Pako Ayesteran's tough training regime, is it as bad as it sounds?
[Laughs] He certainly likes to work the players, that's for sure. There are a lot of long sessions but you don't get anywhere without working hard and at the end of the day it's for the best.
There are a lot of important games coming up in the Premiership, F.A Cup and Champions League, is this what you joined Liverpool for?
Definitely. Last year with Southampton I was playing in a team that were struggling at the foot of the table and it was a very difficult situation. Now I'm looking forward to games against Benfica in the Champions League, Birmingham in the quarter-final of the FA Cup and big fixtures every week in the Premiership. So yes, this is why players join Liverpool and I'm revelling in it.
And just what would it mean to you to finish your first season here at Liverpool with a trophy?
Obviously when I came to the club I expected us to be challenging for honours and it's great that we are doing so. To still be involved on three fronts is a great achievement and an exciting time for everyone involved. It would mean a great deal to me if we could win a trophy. The Premiership is probably now out of our reach but either the FA Cup or Champions League would make a nice consolation prize! |
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