The Irish wing-back has been on a rollercoaster journey after joining the club when it was on its way from the Premier League down to League One, before being a key part of Wolves’ renaissance back to the top-flight and into this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Watford.
The 27-year-old described his time at Wolves as unbelievable as he prepares for the possibility of helping the team to their first FA Cup final appearance in almost 60 years.
On Wembley expectations
“It’s going to be unbelievable. All the players are going to have a fair share of family going down to the game.
“Obviously, we’ve already played at Wembley this season and won so we’ve got good memories, but it’s a semi-final so it’s obviously going to be different.
“It’s going to be a different kind of atmosphere all together, being just one game away from having the chance to win a major trophy which is what we play the game for.”
On involvement in Wolves’ FA Cup goals
“I’ve managed to get myself in with some goals and some assists which is obviously, I’m in the team to try and make a difference and when stuff like that comes off you feel great about it.
“It would be nice if I can make a difference once again and see if I can get myself on the score sheet – or at least set somebody up.”
On the threat Watford pose
“Watford were one of the most impressive teams which we’ve actually played this season. They thoroughly deserved the victory against us and it was quite comfortable in the end for them; 2-0 I think it was.
“They were quick, they were comfortable on the ball, they were aggressive; we know what we’re going to face, and we know it’s going to be a difficult game.”
On rivalry with the Hornets
“For the last few weeks, I’ve been going on to my phone after the games and looking for Watford’s results as they’re the ones who’ve been nearest to us the whole time, they’re the ones who are immediately threatening us.
“We still have to play them away from home, so that will be a great game also, but there are other teams who are also creeping up, so we’ve got to be careful and keep getting wins, because we want to finish as high as we can.”
On Raul Jimenez signing permanently
“He’s been absolutely fantastic, especially with this being his first season in the Premier League, he’s just taken to it. Not many players are able to do that. People usually say it takes time to adapt but he’s kicked on straight away with his goals and hit the ground running.
“But that’s kind of been the case for all the players we’ve had. I don’t know whether it’s because they feel comfortable around everyone, maybe because there’s a lot of new lads here, or because of the way the staff and management team have been, they all seem to be at home here and really enjoy it.
“We’ve got a lot of good players tied down for their long-term futures now, so it’s all looking good for the future of the club.”
On change at Wolves in his time at club
“It’s been unbelievable. You’ve got to remember it’s been a short space of time where this has all happened, it’s not that long ago that we were in League One.
“Who would’ve thought we’d be in the semi-final of the FA Cup and seventh in the league – it’s kind of a fairy-tale, so we’re all very happy with the situation at the moment.”
“People might think we’re overachieving, but in our team we all know each other’s ability, we’re confident in each other and we think we are where we’re meant to be.”
On flourishing in Nuno’s system
“I absolutely love playing wing-back and have really enjoyed the change. The license you get going forward – obviously you still have to do your defensive work, defending is still number one.
“But the way the manager gives us the freedom to just go forward and be the highest player on the pitch at times, for a player it’s the best feeling to score a goal or be involved in a goal.”
