Throwing darts at family, Italia 90 & much more
GARETH McAuley, who just so happens to be better than JT, is next up to reveal a number of his firsts.
The Northern Ireland international gave some interesting responses, in particular a tale about a flying dart…
So, Gaz, what was your first…
School memory?
That was so long ago now! I remember not really ever wanting to go because I had to stay inside so much.
Red Card?
That came when I was playing for Linfield against a police team. I went in for a 50/50 challenge and unfortunately the lad got hurt. Certainly learnt a lesson from that incident.
Goal you remember scoring?
I remember scoring in a County Antrim trial game when I was younger. It was a back post header. I actually scored two goals in that game which doesn’t happen very often!
World Cup memory?
The 1986 one in Mexico is a little bit too early, so I’ll go with Italia 90. There was that massive ring binder sticker collection, which I think I still have somewhere!
Pair of boots?
The very first pair I had didn’t have a make on them, but then when I got some Adidas World Cups it felt like I had won the lottery.
Room-mate?
A Canadian goalkeeper when I was at Lincoln called Simon Rayner. We shared a house together for a while too.
Detention?
I remember getting one for refusing to play rugby at grammar school would you believe. Didn’t fancy playing it.
Expensive thing you bought?
When I was younger I saved up for over a year to buy a bike.
Hero?
My grandad. I used to see his Northern Ireland junior cap which was at granny’s house and I buzzed off it. He used to play football with me too when I was younger.
Thing you do when you leave training?
I usually phone a few of my mates to see if there is any craic. If not I’ll head home and have a brew and a rest.
Time you were in trouble?
I threw a dart at my sister once which got me in huge trouble as you might well imagine. I was generally a good lad and I was even more well-behaved after throwing that dart.
Person to take the mick out of you when something goes wrong?
If something goes wrong I am usually quiet angry and I’ll easily snap at people, so they know to leave me alone to calm down.
Sports day at school?
That was a clean sweep for me, I won all the events. I hear you’re not allowed to win these things now at school which seems a bit bizarre.
Hair style?
I got a skinhead once and it made my mum cry, she didn’t even recognise me! Since that day I have tended to keep a bit of hair on my head.