Leicester City forward Paul Gallagher is currently playing some of the best football of his career. Since joining the Foxes from Blackburn Rovers in 2009 ‘Gally’ has established himself as one of the finest attacking talents in the Championship.

Famed for his set-piece ability, penalty-taking style and charismatic nature off the pitch, Gallagher is also an extremely committed professional who realises just how lucky he is to be getting paid to play the game he loves.

Paul’s passion for football began at an early age and he soon earned a trial at local side, Blackburn Rovers, an achievement he attributes to the support of his family.

“My mum and dad say I was nightmare as a kid. Even before I could walk I had a ball in my hand. When I was seven I played in the under 12’s and scored goals. Luckily enough we had scouts at the games and I was invited to train with Blackburn.

“My family were strong. They didn’t force me into doing anything but they knew I loved playing football. They stood by every decision I made and they’ve been there every step of the way.”

Gallagher almost didn’t make the breakthrough at Ewood Park and was thankful for the role a former Leicester City manager played in his development.

“When I was 16, Blackburn were going to let me go as they said I wasn’t quick enough. Rob Kelly, who used to be at Leicester, was my youth team manager and he gave me a chance and a three-year YT contract. I did well in youth teams and was training with the reserves as a 17 and 18-year-old.”

Gallagher’s first team debut came out of the blue, but it’s a day that he’ll always remember.

“I think Andy Cole fell out with Graeme Souness so I got the call up. We were playing Arsenal the next day which was unbelievable as I’d never even trained with the first team. It was a big shock, but I came on and we won the game 2-0. To be fair, I should’ve scored but when I ran through my legs turned to jelly!”

After that memorable start to his Rovers career, Gallagher endured several frustrating seasons on loan, before the chance to sign for Leicester permanently presented itself.

“I think I made more appearances for Blackburn when I was 18 and 19, to when I was 22 and 23 and once you’ve had a taste of first team football you want to play every week. I went to a few clubs on loan, which I enjoyed. When I went back to Blackburn we had quite a few changes of manager and they were bringing in world class players like Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz. You have to be realistic and move on to get your career started and those loan spells made me bigger, stronger and a better person.

“I wanted to get out of that mould of being a travelled player, being at clubs for just a few months, so when Leicester came calling, I came down and had a look. The facilities were first class, the stadium was magnificent and it’s all set up for the Premier League. I spoke to Nigel Pearson, who was manager at the time and just made my mind up.”

Gallagher has already worked under three managers at City, firstly Pearson, then Paulo Sousa and now Sven-Goran Eriksson.

“If someone had told me two years ago that Sven-Goran Eriksson was going to be my manager I probably would’ve laughed along with them. He’s the most down to earth man you’ll ever meet, he’s so relaxed. He’s always last on the bus because he talking to the fans and signing autographs. You just have to look at the clubs and national teams he’s managed, his record is phenomenal.

“He wants his players to go out there, enjoy and express themselves and it gives you freedom to play. You know you’re going to have to work hard because that’s the first thing in football. If you work hard then your ability will come through.”

Paul famously gets on well with team-mate Richie Wellens and provided an insight into their relationship, explaining how banter and camaraderie are a vital part of the game.

“As soon as I came to the club we got on well because we’re from up north. I’d never met him before. I’ve played against him and always thought what a good player he is. Technically he’s one of the best players in the Championship and he could play in the Premier League. He’s got vision, craft and plays with a bit of swagger. As a person, he’s a top man. We’ve been on a few nights out together and we’ve been for food with our wives and kids.

“If you can’t come to work doing a job that you love with a smile on your face then you’re in the wrong business. From a young age you’ve dreamt of being a footballer and you’ve got this opportunity to do it for ten, 15 years and you’ve got to enjoy everyday, and that’s what we do. When game time comes we’re one hundred per cent serious, but training and off the pitch, we’ll keep the banter and the character alive.”

A man not backwards about going forwards when it comes to believing in his own ability, Gally’s distinctive penalty taking style sees him beginning his run up with his back to the goalkeeper, a technique he has developed over the years.

“Everyone’s got their own technique and I’ve always felt comfortable taking a penalty that way. It’s all about mind-games and out-foxing the goalkeeping. I believe if a keeper can look into your eyes it gives him more chance of knowing where you’re going to put the ball.”

At 26, Paul Gallagher is approaching his peak as a footballer and believes that he’s at the perfect club to realise his ambitions.

“We came close to promotion last year, which was one of the most emotional rides I’ve been on. With no disrespect to the squad from last year, we’re stronger now. I think we’ve got better players, but last season we relied a lot on team spirit. Last year I think a lot of our success was through grit and determination not to lose, and since Sven has come we’ve shown that again.

“We’ve got an ambitious manager, the new owners are very ambitious and the players are ambitious. Every player wants to play in the Premier League. I’ve had a taste of it and I want to get back there and show what I can do.”

Unbelievable Trekkers

Paul’s wife, Hayley, is set to take on a challenge of her own at the end of March. Mrs Gallagher will be trekking across the Great Wall of China to raise money for the Meningitis Trust. The charity is extremely close to the couple’s hearts as Paul’s younger brother Daniel passed away from the disease when he was a baby.

Hayley will be joined by fellow footballers’ wives Becky Doyle, Paula Parnarby and Melissa Derbyshire who are married to the Birmingham City trio of Colin Doyle, Stuart Parnaby and Matt Derbyshire. The Doyle’s baby son, Liam, almost died from meningitis last year.

Paul spoke of his admiration for Hayley, his memories of his brother Daniel and how losing him affected his family.

“I’m one hundred per cent behind Hayley. She’s a very determined lady and I’m sure the girls will complete what they’ve set out to do and raise a lot of money for a great charity.

“It was 19 years ago when Daniel passed away. I can still remember it like it was yesterday. I never usually speak about it but when you grow older you get stronger. I’ll never forget him and the day it happened was just tragic. He was happy as they go, a smiley young lad, and they used to call him the little smiler.

“It hit me hard because I’m the oldest in my family. To see what my mum and dad went through, I wouldn’t wish that on anybody. It’s so devastating and it can break a family. They’ve got two other children, me and my sister, but we won’t replace my brother, he’ll always be in their hearts. You’ve got to try and keep it together and be a shoulder for your mum. My mum is strong now and she’s one hundred per cent behind what Hayley is doing.”

To donate to Hayley Gallagher’s China Trek for the Meningitis Trust visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/hayleygallagher