Daily Mail

If I wasn’t a pro I would be a lawyer ... I love watching Suits!

- LAURIE WHITWELL

FIRST FOOTBALL MEMORY

When I was about five or six and went to my local club, Mountsorre­l Juniors, with my best mate from school and my dad. I have loved the game ever since.

BEST PLAYER I’VE PLAYED WITH

I trained with James Maddison, who is now at Norwich. He is so tricky with his twists and turns, he is a top, top player. If I can get to where he is at I will be happy.

TOUGHEST OPPONENT

Joe Allen probably. He was really busy, he got about the pitch really well. When the ball was dropping he would be the one there and he could restart and keep them ticking over. He was relentless, there was no let-up. That is the difference between League Two and Premier League. Technicall­y, Charlie Adam was brilliant as well.

FAVOURITE FOOTBALLIN­G MOMENT

It has all been a whirlwind, the best few months of my life. You are doing what you’ve always wanted to do, playing in front of proper crowds. Beating Stoke at the Ricoh is my highlight so far.

SPORTING HERO

I always liked to watch Frank Lampard. He was unbelievab­le. If I can mould my game around anybody it would be him.

TOUGHEST AWAY GROUND

My first one. Port Vale on Boxing Day. You can play at home and all the fans are loving it but going away gives you a different experience.

THE FIRST ALBUM I BOUGHT

A Now disc probably. Or it might have been Paolo Nutini, These Streets. Me and my dad used to listen to it in the car.

KARAOKE SONG

For my initiation song, I sang The Script, The Man Who Can’t Be Moved. I would like to say I was good but that would be lying. I got it over with as quickly as I could.

BEST-DRESSED TEAM-MATE

I’m still in the Under 23s changing room so I’d have to say one of those boys. Probably Callum Maycock. He has got nice bits and bobs. I sit next to him and he’s protective over his clothes, so if I don’t say him he’ll go after me.

DREAM DINNER-PARTY GUESTS

Lionel Messi, Ed Sheeran and Mark Wahlberg. Or Sylvester Stallone — me and my brother love Rocky.

IF I WASN’T A FOOTBALLER

I would say a lawyer. If I hadn’t got a pro contract that would be what I would study at university, a law degree. My mum and dad always said: ‘Make sure you have a back-up.’ I enjoy watching Suits, so that was the attraction.

 ??  ?? TOM BAYLISS is only 18 but was man of the match h when Coventry stunned Stoke in the FA Cup third round. Here, the midfielder talks about his giantkilli­ng exploits and why Frank Lampard is his hero:
TOM BAYLISS is only 18 but was man of the match h when Coventry stunned Stoke in the FA Cup third round. Here, the midfielder talks about his giantkilli­ng exploits and why Frank Lampard is his hero:

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