No, all I have to do is to exude in  wonder at the work of the genius, and, glow with gratitude at the joy it brings into my life.

I am good at my job. Even more importantly, I love my job. In being good at my job the onus on me is obviously to become better and more successful at my job. However, my philosophy has to be based on a much less exalted style than that of Leonardo or Albert.

Consequently, in recognition and acceptance of this fact I always strive to keep things as simple as I can. In my job, I strive to embrace the most captivating ethos of the game of football.

Things done quickly and simply, with style and integrity, are what make the game that gives me my living a joy to behold. By the way, I accept totally that all individual sports possess the same capabilities.

But in acknowledging that my particular sporting philosophy is incumbent on my personal ethics and beliefs I have also found that my wonder and gratitude, as referred to above, is always bountiful and sometimes boundless.

I have been in professional football for 40 years or so. It still completely fascinates me. As a kid I only ever wanted to be a professional footballer.

Had a genie-in-a-bottle offered me as that kid, in whatever bizarre situation one would encounter a genie in inner-city Dublin, a lifetime of involvement in the game, I would have snatched his hand off and told him there would be no need for the second and third wishes.

Turmoil

Even during recent weeks when all the turmoil about my future has created so much interest, I have strived to retain my grasp on simplicity. In this way I can keep control of my situation in my own way.

While I can only do what I can do, I will do it best if I can manage to do it under my terms and conditions. I have always been a great believer in the gift of serving something greater than myself.

Christmas therefore, is a timely reminder to me of my place in life. Sport, and my job, is simply a reflection of a life in progress.

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