Paul Black spoke to oldhamathletic.co.uk earlier this year about his time with Athletic and football in general.

Known as Blacky amongst the squad, Paul joined Latics as a youngster from near neighbours Manchester City and immediately impressed with his dedicated performances, earning a contract until the end of the 2009/10 season.

This season Black has continued to improve, and has made the First Team substitutes bench on several occasions without being used by boss Dave Penney, whilst also being a driving force for Lee Duxbury's young Reserves side.

Black was included in a matchday squad for the first time in November 2007 and has admitted that he'd love to get a full run under his belt this year, saying: "I think my biggest goal for this season is to get a stint in the first team, to show the Gaffer what I have to offer."

Internationally, Black was placed on standby for the England under-18 squad in the same month as his Latics debut and said: "Being selected for the Latics first team and then to get the England Under 18 call up all in the same month was just fantastic.

"It was easily the highlight of my career so far."

A left-back with pace in abundance, Black said his best attributes "are my athleticism and determination", before adding "I'll not give up or slow down until I have absolutely nothing left in my tank, it's just the way I play the game."

Black puts his work ethic down to his parents, who he says were easily the biggest influence on his career.

"My family were, and still are, amazing. My dad especially, he comes to all my games, even now.

"Without them I'd not be the player I am today."

Black has already had one spell out on loan whilst with Athletic, with Blue Square Premier side Barrow in August 2008, and the chance to gain first-team experiences has boosted the confidence of the young left back from Bury.

"I have to work hard and my chance will come, I know that.

"My footballing hero has always been Paulo Maldini and watching him on TV showed how the game should be played.

"You don't play for Milan at the highest level for 25 years - right up until you're 40! - if you're not willing to graft every day of the week."