The Irishman was destined for good things in the professional game, after spending time at Celtic earlier in his career.

After having several heart screenings, it was revealed that a heart defect meant that he wouldn't be able to play again, news which he found out at the age of just 22.

"I was lucky in that I was playing at a level of football which meant we received regular heart screening"

Having to hang up his boots at such a young age meant that he was unsure of what to do, but has taking to life in the manager's chair despite his youth.

"It was a dark period. I was down in the dumps for quite some time, but I had good people around me and they picked me up. I had a decision to make about whether or not I stayed in the game, so I jumped on the coaching ladder and it has paid off.

"Management has been a very different type of challenge, but I still see myself as a coach. I'm very hands-on, have a lot of ideas, and feel that I'm the best person to get those ideas across to the players."