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Hi Harry, thanks for taking the time to speak to us. Firstly, how is the new career going?

It’s going really well thank you. I’m the coach of Watford’s U21 team, which is a whole new challenge for me, but one I’m really enjoying.

And of course I’ve now joined up with BT Sport to be part of their Saturday afternoon show ‘Score’, which should be good too. I’m looking forward to that.

How are you finding the coaching, then?

It’s completely different to playing, I can tell you that!

I’ve only been doing it a year, but I’ve already learnt so much. It’s been a real eye-opener for me in terms of the sheer amount of preparation and work that coaches and staff have to put in.

When you’re a player you perhaps don’t think of that type of thing, you just come in of a morning and train or play. But there’s so much that goes into planning sessions, making sure everything is just right so that when you’re out there on the pitch you only have to focus on the work.

It can be draining, but it’s my passion and I have to say I’m enjoying it so much.

You’ve had some pretty good managers to learn from in your time, such as Rafa Benitez, Terry Venables and the likes. Have they been big influences on your coaching style?

I think I’ve taken bits and pieces from all of my former managers, to be honest. They are the people that shape who you are as a player and as a person.

But I believe in being myself, and bringing my own ideas and philosophies to the table. I learned a lot from speaking with Quique (Sanchez Flores) last season, and I hope it’ll be the same with Walter Mazzarri this time around.

I would say I was what you might call a ‘cheeky’ player, who liked to laugh and joke around in the dressing room.

But when it came to work, I worked. I always wanted to make myself as good as I could possibly be, and that’s what I demand from my players. I don’t mind a laugh and a joke before and after training, but on the pitch we are there to work, and I want things done properly.

I don’t care if I have to keep stopping and starting a session, or if it takes two, three hours, I want it done right.

So is the ultimate aim to move into management?

100%. I’ve made no secret of that desire. Just like when I was playing, I want to test my limits at the highest level possible.

I’ve taken my first steps into this career and I am keen to keep progressing. I’d love to get the opportunity to be a manager at some point.

If we take you back to your playing career then, and your time at Liverpool. How do you view that period?

I think the way you’d describe it is as an up and down story. Listen, moving to Liverpool Football Club was the realisation of a dream for me.

I said when I was 13 years old that I wanted to play for that great club and 10 years later the dream was made real. It was an incredible moment for me.

Unfortunately, in football you can fall victim to injuries, and that’s what happened to me. They took their toll on me and I was never really able to get going and show my best at Liverpool.

That’s not an excuse, it’s just the way it was. I know I was luckier than most in that I got to play for the club, and to enjoy plenty of good days too. But one thing I’d say is that the experience, the bad times as well as the good, certainly made me a stronger person and made me view myself, and view football, in a different way. Hopefully that will help me in my future career.

You still had some highs along the way, mind...

Absolutely. On a personal level it was not great, but in a team sense we won the Champions League, the FA Cup and the European Super Cup. They were great achievements and great days, and nobody can take those away.

And in terms of the city, I fell in love with the place. I love Liverpool, I have so many friends there and I’m always back there. It’s a great city, and one which I will always have huge affection for.

And of course I’m always watching Liverpool play. I see them as much as my work allows.

What are you making of your former club under Jurgen Klopp?

I’m excited, I won’t lie. I think the club can become a force again with him in charge.

I think this is a hugely important time for the club. They have a top manager in place now, and I think that he believes he can bring success.

I think back to when I went there in 2003 – everything was about ending that wait for a title. That was 13 years ago, and they’re still waiting.

It’s the biggest club in Britain, and you can sense just how much it craves that league title. Everyone wants it, and I think with Jurgen Klopp in charge they can get there.

I enjoyed Brendan Rodgers’ team a couple of years ago, but I think what Jurgen brings to the table in terms of that passion, desire and knowledge can make the difference.

It’s easy to say, but I think there are good times ahead. I have a lot of Liverpool-supporting friends, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen them this excited about a new season.

And if they are excited, then so am I!

BT Sport Score is the place to keep up-to-date with all the news as it happens on a Saturday afternoon. Watch live on BT Sport 1 every Saturday at 2.30pm. For more information visit bt/com/sport.’