The first time I saw Karl Shepherd at Terryland in a pre-season friendly against Hull City I was reminded of Kevin Keegan. He exudes energy and commitment. A front-man always looking for the ball and not afraid to go in where it hurts.

MG: Hi Karl, welcome to Galway United. You have already created a buzz after a great start at Terryland. There is a danger that you could turn into a Terryland Park Cult-Hero! How do you find playing in the League of Ireland compared to Goodison Park?

KS: Yeah it's tough in this league. Its very fast paced and physical, there are also some players who are very good technically and the only difference is that in the English League you don't get as much time on the ball and there is more pressure to perform when you play in England.

MG: It's reported that Everton paid €180,000 for you as a 16 year old. What level have you progressed to before joining Galway United on loan?

KS: I learned probably more off the pitch at Everton than I did on it, ways to eat properly and how to prepare for games correctly and how to conduct yourself on and off the pitch.

MG: How did you find living in Liverpool having left home at 16?

KS: I didn't really enjoy it I was homesick for most of my time whilst I was away. I think that 16 is too young to go away from your family and be expected to settle in straight away and also deal with the stress of being a full time footballer.

MG: You have played for Ireland at u-15, 16, 17 & 19 levels if you do well at Galway United you could well join team-mate Seamus Conneely and ex-GU winger Jay O Shea in the u-21 team. How important would that be to your career prospects?

KS: Very important it's always an honour to play for your country at any level, but if you get a call up to the 21s it's only a small stepping stone from there to the 1st team, but for now I'm just concentrating on Galway and trying to climb up the table.

MG: It's a pity the U-23 match clashed with your U-19 call-up for Ireland as GU had 3 players in the initial squad. Tell us about your experience playing with the U-19's.

KS: Yeah it was just bad timing really I was really looking forward to playing for the 23s but I got called up to the 19s for a qualifier so I had to go with that. When you play international football you learn how important it is to keep the ball, because when you loose it you mightn't get it back for 2-3 minutes.

MG: Who is your favourite player and what team do you support?

KS: My favourite player is Andy Cole and my team is Middlesbrough.

MG; Which players have you modelled your game on?

KS: I have recently been compared to Kevin Doyle but I just play my own game really.

MG: You said in a previous interview that you needed to work harder at holding up the ball for your team-mates. Have you improved at this?

KS: Yeah I think I have but I am still working on that. There is always room for improvement!

MG: You also mention in an earlier interview the importance of being positive. I'd say in your position up front that's vital?

KS: Yeah I think it is the position on the pitch where you must be confident because when you're in front of goal a confident striker will be calm and more than likely take the chance.

MG: What are your goals for the season and beyond?

KS: To score more goals for Galway and hopefully get a move back across the water.

Best of luck and enjoy your time at Terryland Park, Karl.

Karl's all-time XI

Schmeichel

Cafu Cannavaro Desailly Maldini

Roy Keane

Ronaldo Zidane

Messi Pele Maradona

Mike Geraghty (mgwords.com)

(Mike Geraghty is the PA operator in Terryland Park and a regular contributor to the matchday programme).