Nicky Shorey's Diary - Monday & Tuesday

We have been blessed by luck this week - Aston Villa defender Nicky Shorey has agreed to give us a unique insight into the life of a professional footballer by uploading his daily diary to the site via the WAP function on his Sony Ericsson K750i.

This just in:

Monday

I injured Nigel Reo-Coker at training yesterday. I’m not particularly proud of it but it had to be done. I’m hoping now that Young will move back to right back so I can get a run out against Pompy tonight. Plus he took the laces out of my boots before training last week so Martin made me play in my brand new Addidas Stan Smiths. I paid £45 for them and they got ruined.

I don’t think I get the credit I deserve at this club. I keep telling people how I’ve played in all four top divisions in England. I’ve played for the national team. I’ve scored 12 goals during my career which is more than double the number Gary Neville has – and he was first choice for England for over 8 years! I am experience personified. I’m better than this club and bigger than this country. I’m hoping that Real or Inter will come in for me before the end of the transfer window. I’d love to play in Spain. I went to Alicante in 1993 for two weeks. I got sunburned but I had a great time.

Tuesday

Portsmouth away today. Fratton park. Turned up at the training ground, Bodymoor Heath to get the bus. As I got on with the team I was told by Salifou that the gaffer wanted to see me in his office. After 10 minutes waiting for him I went back outside to find the bus gone and the training ground locked up. Good one lads! They know I'm good for a laugh and a joke, and yeah, it was funny. Trouble is, because the gates were now locked I couldn't get my car out so I had to jump on the train to Portsmouth.

I am optimistic that I will get a game tonight, and if I do I will be delighted. The chance to play one on one against the world class Jermaine Pennant (who is wanted by Real Madrid) is a massive opportunity, and one I will relish. Watch this space!