Kenny Cunningham is enjoying his time at Birmingham City and his performances have been of such a high quality that some experts have been comparing him to the legendary Paul McGrath. Not only has he helped Birmingham to ninth in the table, but also he has also won his 50th cap for Ireland this season and will be looking forward to captaining them to success in the World Cup campaign when it starts next season. His 50th cap for his country didn't pass without incident though as in their build up to the 3-0 victory over Canada armed raiders demanding cash held up the Irish hotel at gunpoint. However, the drama passed Cunningham by as he explained to givemefootball's Ian Clarkson.
Q:
WAS THE FACT A SHOT WAS FIRED INTO THE CEILING A SCARY EXPERIENCE FOR THE TEAM?
A:
It wasn't scary for me as I was sat in the toilet at the time in my hotel room! The first I knew about it was when some of the lads charged into my room like a herd of buffalos. It was a bit worrying because there were some young kids trying to get autographs as the lads were finishing off their dinner, but it all happened very quickly. Mind you, some of the lads were thinking of pushing Clinton Morrison into the foyer and getting him to offer up his watch. They probably would have made 20 times more than they did from the hotel safe, but I don't think they would have been able to carry it out of the hotel - I think they would have needed to call for back up even to carry it out of the van!"
Q:
HOW DO YOU FEEL THAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE COMPARED YOU TO PAUL McGRATH?
A:
I wouldn't even mention myself in the same breath as someone like big Paul. I was fortunate enough to make my international debut alongside him when he was at the tail end of his career. He was a fantastic player, but the thing that impressed me most about Paul was his manner off the pitch. He was always very humble about his achievements and had a lot of time for the paying public and people in general. The way he carried himself off the pitch is something I have always admired.
Q:
YOU MUST HAVE BEEN DELIGHTED TO WIN YOUR 50TH CAP AGAINST CANADA IN NOVEMBER?
A:
I never thought I would win over 50 caps and captain my country because when I first came over as an 18-year-old I only signed a one-year deal with Millwall. I had even applied at a few colleges in Dublin on the understanding that I would probably be back after a year. Looking back I find it hard to believe that I could forge a career in anything other than football but I didn't do too badly in my final exams and there were a few business-related courses that interested me.
Q:
SO WHAT DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU CAPTAINED THE SIDE AS WELL?
A:
I am hugely proud to have played for Ireland. I never felt I would get to the stage where I would to have to actively think about retiring from international football as I always thought it would pass me by. I won my first cap and thought, can I get five? Maybe ten? I never felt I would be part of the international scene for 50 caps in my wildest dreams. I definitely want to be involved but only while I think I can make a contribution and I make a difference.
Q:
SO A FEW YEARS DOWN THE LINE YOU WOULD EVENTUALLY CONTEMPLATE RETIREMENT FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL?
A:
The day I go over to Ireland and I feel as though I am only tagging along and making up the numbers I will walk away. Hopefully I won't have to be told by the manager and I will see that eventuality arise before the manager does. It won't be a problem to me to step aside because I have achieved more than I ever felt I could do at international level and I will walk away with a smile on my face because I have played with some great players and the supporters always treat us really well when we go back to Dublin. It will be difficult to let go but it is going to happen sooner rather than later in my case.
Q:
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CURRENT SITUATION AT YOUR OLD CLUB WIMBLEDON?
A:
I enjoyed seven years at Wimbledon and there were high and low points. We were a Premiership side initially and I have some great memories of when I first went to the club. After being relegated we experienced a lot of the implications that clubs are suffering now and there was also talk of a move to Dublin and there was always a little bit of an undercurrent there as supporters felt betrayed, which was understandable.
Q:
BUT CAN YOU UNDERSTAND THE MOVE, FROM THE CLUB'S POINT OF VIEW?
A:
Yes, I also felt a bit for the owners because it was unsustainable to keep the club at Selhurst Park and it never really felt like home. We always felt like the tenants and that had to change. There has been a big falling out between both sides but the line has been drawn in the sand now and hopefully both clubs can be successful in the future.
Q:
HAVE YOU CHANGED MUCH, AS A PLAYER, OVER THE YEARS?
A:
You become a little bit more vocal with age and people will probably tell you when I was younger that I was a bit more shy and withdrawn but it is a case of sink or swim in this business and you reach a point where you think hold on rather than take all this stick I am going to give a bit out. I became more confident within myself and matured as a person and become a little bit more opinionated - maybe the lads might say a little bit too opinionated for their liking but that is just a natural progression for a player.
