Behind the shirt: Get to know James Talbot

safc.com caught up with Irishman James Talbot on Friday morning to get to know a little bit about the makings of the young stopper...  

Main assets you bring to the team?

I believe I’m good on the ball and demand my box well as I try my best to command and take control of anything that comes into it.

Greatest inspiration?

I look up to a lot of people if I'm honest, from football to Gaelic football and even members of my family. Everyone I have met on my way to where I am now have given me some great advice so I try to earn from them.

Greatest achievement in football?

I have had so many achievements in football but the greatest would have to be captaining my country and leading them to the European Championships. Also, getting the opportunity to going to the Emirates with the first team last January in the FA Cup was fantastic. That was an unbelievable experience.

Best save you have made?

The best save I have ever made was a penalty in the first minute of a Republic of Ireland game against Austria. It was a really important game because we had to win to qualify and I was lucky not to be sent off, but I saved the penalty and we went onto win 2-0.

Best game you've played in?

As I mentioned before it has to be the win over Austria, that was the best game I have ever played in. It was such an important game to play in and to be a big part of it was a great feeling.

Who do you look up to at the club?

I look up to John O'Shea, obviously because of who he is and he speaks to us a lot which is good.

Any advice to scholars?

Most importantly to just keep working as hard as you can and to make sure you enjoy every moment.

Targets for the future?

I want to play at the highest level I can and make sure I always keep learning.