You are currently in your third spell with Cliftonville and you are the all-time record goalscorer in the history of the club. How much does holding that record mean to you and how much does the club, as a whole, mean to you?
“To hold such a record at this stage of my career is something that I am buzzing about but I don’t think I’ll really understand how special it is until I actually leave the club and realise what I’ve done.
“The main reason I say that is because I’m still trying to add more goals to the record and continue to make a difference for the club going forward.
“This club means so much to me, every experience that I have had here since the start of my career at Cliftonville until now has been brilliant and I’ve loved every minute of it.
“My passion for the club is the main reason why after all of these years I’m still here because I’ve had a few clubs recently enquire about speaking to me but there is only one place I want to be and that is with Cliftonville.
“Hopefully, I can stay here until the end of my career because, I always said it, the only way would leave was if the club was looking rid of me.”
Your second spell at the club, between 2011 and 2015, in particular, was an incredible time for the club. Back-to-back league titles, back-to-back Irish League Cups. What was it like to achieve such highs under the guidance of Tommy Breslin and Gerard Lyttle?
“It was outstanding because no one ever really gives Cliftonville a chance in our league and still to this day, it’s the same. You sometimes get a sense that nobody really wants Cliftonville to do well outwith the club.
“Ultimately, that is how football can be and I am so proud of everything that I have achieved at the club.
“To win the two back-to-back league titles, and especially the league cups as well, it was an incredible feeling.
“To have a good hand in that success by scoring goals and helping the team win games was an extra special feeling for me.
“That period of time is probably the highlight of my career, but I hope that I can add further success before I retire.”
You have won a host of individual honours during your career such as Ulster Footballer of the Year and the Northern Ireland Football Writers Association Player of the Year. How much do such individual awards mean to you?
“It means an awful lot because growing up, you would always hear of a few boys who played in the Irish league and achieved success.
“So, to be able to win trophies with my club and also be recognised as one of the best players in the league at that time was incredible.
“It was an unbelievable feeling for me.”
During your career, you’ve played in European competitions and had the opportunity to play in the Champions League against Celtic. You are a Celtic fan so how did it feel to face the club that you support?
“Along with the league title victories, that was the highlight of my career as I’m a massive Celtic fan and playing against them was a dream come true.
“Just to share a pitch with some of the players, it was just an incredible feeling, and I don’t think I’ll ever have an experience like it again.
During your spells at Cliftonville, who would you say is the best player you’ve played alongside?
“The best player that I have played with would probably have to be Liam Boyce.
“He was a great all-round footballer and an incredible goalscorer who always showcased his qualities individually and for the team.”
Callum McFadden 