Mark Sandford (Shamrock Rovers)

Name: Mark Sandford

Age: 17

Club: Shamrock Rovers

Playing Position: Centre forward/Winger

How long have you been playing at this level? 6 months

Is the standard what you expected it to be? Yes, much faster pace & higher intensity than schoolboy

How have you found the step up from underage level? Hugely enjoyable, but still tough

What is the best thing about playing in the Under-19 League? Playing in stadiums every week

What is the worst thing about playing in the Under-19 League? People don't seem to realise how close we are to first team football

What is the best ground you have played in at Under-19’s and why? Tallaght Stadium, the pitch is always in a great condition

What has been the highlight of your career to date? My first league game for Rovers, against UCD. I scored a hat-trick and we won 4-3

What are your hopes for the future? To play in the Airtricity League and hopefully make the move to England

What one thing could be done to improve the Under-19 League? More advertisement to get people into the seats at the games

Who is your biggest influence in football? My family have always pushed me on in football. I always wanted to be like the Brazilian Ronaldo!

Favourite movie? Training Day

Favourite Actor? Denzel Washington

Favourite Actress? Mila Kunis

Favourite car? Audi R8

What do you do to relax outside football? Only time I'm relaxed is when football is involved. I go watch my brothers play, watch it on TV. Can't get enough.

Tell us a (clean) joke

What dog can jump higher than a building? – Any dog, buildings can't jump!