The green, green grass of home is a welcome sight for Ryan Green after six years on the road. Green was Wales' youngest ever cap at the age of 17 as Bobby Gould thrust him into two games against Malta and Tunisia. It should have been the start of a glittering career for Green, but five years, no further caps and six clubs later, he finds himself starring for Conference pace-setters, Hereford United. However, Green is in prime form again and has even notched his first ever senior goal. In fact, he couldn't be happier with life in Hereford as he told givemefootball's Ian Clarkson.
Q:ARE YOU SURPRISED BY THE START YOU HAVE MADE?
A:Not at all. I watched us play Birmingham in pre-season and I knew we were a good team so I am not surprised at all. We are a very good passing team and the only problems might arise when the weather changes and the pitches get worse and teams start humping it into the box.
Q:WAS THAT REALLY YOUR FIRST EVER SENIOR GOAL - AGAINST TELFORD?
A:It was. Apart from a goal for Wales under-18 side it was my first ever strike. It came in the third minute of injury time and it was the winner in a 2-1 scoreline. My top came off and there were all sorts of celebrations!
Q:HOW DID YOU END UP AT HEREFORD?
A:I was released by Sheffield Wednesday in the summer and the only offer I had on the table was a trial at Cambridge United so when Hereford came in I was delighted to sign. It meant I could live at home again in Cardiff and commute to Hereford, which only takes me an hour.
Q:WHEN DID YOU MAKE YOUR DEBUT FOR WALES?
A:I played against Malta and Tunisia when I was 17 and on the books at Wolves. I don't think the pressure got to me, but I had a few injuries which seemed to set me back more. I made my debut for Wolves against Sheffield United and got injured after 70 minutes. I hurt my medial ligament and was out for six months.
Q:WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?
A:Dave Jones took over at Wolves and I wasn't playing so I had a loan spell at Torquay and then signed for Millwall. I was supposed to sign for Bradford last summer, but they were hit by the collapse of ITV Digital and went into administration so I had to sign a month-to-month deal at Cardiff. I eventually signed for Sheffield Wednesday and was released in the summer.
Q:CAN HEREFORD WIN THE CONFERENCE?
A:Most definitely. We only have a small squad and we need to stay injury free, but we have some quality players at Hereford. I think around three or four of our players could hold their own in Division One.
Q:HOW MUCH HAS IT HELPED YOU MOVING HOME AFTER SIX YEARS ON THE ROAD?
A:I feel a lot more settled at home and it is a big bonus to be back with the family. It is also a big help to be playing regularly every week as opposed to 12 times a season. I feel a lot fitter and stronger and the standard of the Conference is good so I am enjoying it.
Q:HOW IMPORTANT IS THE HOME FORM?
A:We struggled at Edgar Street last term, but this year we have been doing well. We only drew with Gravesend but we had something like 30 shots on target so we are in good form. Graham Turner saw me play for Wolves and has taken a chance on me so I am very grateful for the opportunity to show what I can do.
Q:IS THIS YOUR LAST CHANCE?
A:Yes, this is definitely 'last chance saloon' for me. I was nearly out of a job in the summer and it has made me appreciate football a lot more. Maybe when I was younger I used to go out a little bit too much. But I wasn't getting paid over the summer and it made me realise what could I do? I am now totally focused on my football and always had my heart set on playing the game.
Q:CAN YOU ADD TO YOUR PAIR OF CAPS FOR WALES?
A:I think I have to get back into Division One first, but I am still only 23 and I haven't ruled out playing for Wales in the future. Hopefully we can win promotion this season and take it from there.
