DREAM TEAM

PAUL HAYES – The Wycombe striker chooses his favourite XI, made up from players he has played with in his football career.

GOALKEEPERI

Robert Green – QPR When I was a young boy coming through at Norwich, Rob was in the reserves and he was a fantastic goalie – we knew he was going to go far even at the time. His nickname used to be Simba because of the lion’s mane of hair he used to have.

RIGHT BACKI

Kieran Trippier – Burnley I played with him when he was on loan at Barnsley and the higher up the leagues he goes, the better he becomes. He’s quick and very good technically so he really deserves all the praise he gets playing in the Premier League.

CENTRE BACKI

Bobby Hassell – Bharat FC He mainly played at right-back at Barnsley but often slotted into centre-back, and was just as good there. He always wore his heart on his sleeve on the pitch, but was a very boring bloke off it. He just loved talking about how many games he had played. I love him to bits but he could send crying babies to sleep.

CENTRE BACKI

Sean St Ledger – Orlando City I remember seeing him having that massive argument on the Big Ron Manager documentary and couldn’t wait to dig him about it, but he’s a great lad to have in the dressing room. I spoke to him about those rumours about dating Taylor Swift but he’s keeping his cards close to his chest. He’s a young guy living the high life out in America, so fair play to him.

LEFT BACKI

Rhoys Wiggins – Charlton Athletic He’s definitely up there with the best left-backs I’ve played with because he’s very quick and his crossing is unbelievable. Probably the biggest moaner I’ve ever met!

CENTREIMIDFIELDI

Grant McCann – Retired We played together at Barnsley and Scunthorpe and get along very well. He was great at setpieces with a fantastic left foot. Would always look to pass into my feet, which I appreciated, but always wanted it back...

CENTREIMIDFIELDI

Johnnie Jackson – Charlton Athletic He’s a great leader who would talk to anyone and get them organised but he has a sweet left foot, too. Off the pitch, he’s a very intellectual guy who loves his books and quizzes, but unfortunately just doesn’t stop talking.

CENTREIMIDFIELDI

Matt Sparrow – Cheltenham Town (on loan from Scunthorpe) A Scunthorpe legend who would never stop running for your team. But he’s the thickest man I’ve met in football. The groundsman once asked him to find a left-handed screwdriver and he fell for it – we were all in bits. He’s one of my best mates but he’s very gullible.

RIGHT FORWARDI

Bradley WrightPhillips – New York Red Bulls Bradley’s a very good player and always had a great touch. He’s a very good guy and always a loud and happy presence in the dressing room who loves a night out. He’s very like Ian and loves a laugh. It’s great to see him doing well in America.

CENTRE FORWARDI

Gary Hooper – Norwich He’s a great striker and we always linked up well together. We got about 82 goals between us in two years at Scunthorpe. Unfortunately he doesn’t like doing much running so I had to do his!

LEFT FORWARDI

Martin Paterson – Orlando City (on loan from Huddersfield) We only had him for one season at Scunthorpe but he would always seem to nick a goal at a crucial time. Probably the most hard-working guy I’ve ever seen. He does fancy himself to be a bit of a gangster off the field, though.