Where did you grow up and what was it like?

I grew up in a town called Limavady in Northern Ireland. I have a lot of friends back there who I’m still in contact with now. It was a good experience which helped make me, me.

What’s been the biggest change since moving to England?

Everything here and in London is bigger – biggest distances to travel, my town back home was small and everyone knew each other in the area. Here is just a massive place, obviously I came here for the football and it’s been another change, the intensity of training is so much more then what I was used to back home.

What is the biggest thing you miss from home?

I would have to say my family and friends. I stay in contact with some friends I have back home and I see my family every now and then.

Where did you play your football before Chelsea?

I started off at Limavardy youths, the town I was raised in. Then I played for Coleraine and that’s where I was for a number of years before moving over to Chelsea. We had a decent team back home and a few of us moved over to clubs in England – there are six of us who are still pretty close.

What’s your earliest memory of watching football?

I remember going to the Coleraine games after we had played. We would go to the first team game and watch their matches.

Have you ever played in any other positions?

I started out as a striker when I was younger, then slowly moved back into defence. Most people start off as a striker and love scoring goals but I think I read the game well and could see things others couldn’t - that’s why I’ve ended up where I am now.

Did you have any idols as a youngster?

In football, I looked up to John Terry here at Chelsea. Him being a leader, reading the game and the way he played inspired me. In life I’d say my dad, he’s always there for me and does everything I need.

Did you ever play any other sports in school?

I played cricket and rugby back home. I was quite sporty but football became the main thing and took over as I grew up. I can still give most sports a good go now.

What one footballing memory from your career so far sticks to mind?

The biggest moment would be signing my professional contract here at Chelsea. It was a big achievement taking into account where I came from back home and it’s always what I’ve wanted to do in life.

McClelland could feature for Ed Brand's Under-18s this morning (Saturday) in the Premier League Cup quarter-finals against Newcastle United. Kick-off in the North-East is at 11am.