Adam Wells

When did you join Shamrock Rovers?

I joined Shamrock Rovers in the summer of 2017

Was there anything in particular that swung your decision to sign for the club?

I went up for a training session, Damien Duff was the head coach of the team, the session was really good, the intensity and on the ball a lot; that was really enjoyable. Damien Duff was definitely a factor.

What was your first impressions of Shamrock Rovers after you joined?

I thought the people that worked there were really nice and I was made feel very welcome into the squad that I was with.

Can you remember your very first game?

My very first game was against Finn Harps, I came on at half time. It was a friendly game and we won 2-0 here at the Academy at Roadstone.

Are you happy with the progress of your development?

Yeah, 100%. I have definitely come as a player, tactically and technically.

What would you say are your strengths as a player?

Passing, speed, good decision making.

Would you say you like to model yourself on any established player in particular?

I would like to be like Virgil Van Dijk, the way he is playing at the moment is unbelievable. He is the best defender in the world at the moment.

You are doing some training with the first team; how is that going for you?

It has been really, really good. The standard is obviously higher than what I have been used to but I’m getting used to it now. All the players have been really nice. The sessions are demanding but it’s benefitting me a lot when I go back and train with my own team too.

How are you managing with your education?

It’s tough but it’s manageable. The hours are longer than my previous school by a couple of hours. I’d be really tired when I get home but I just have to get on with it; that’s what I have to do.

Are you looking to gain any academic qualifications outside of football?

I’m looking to be either a sports scientist or a physio. At present I’m studying Biology in Ashfield College.

You have so far gained eight international caps for Ireland while playing for the Hoops. What has that experience been like for you?

It has been unbelievable. It’s always an honour to represent your country and make your family and friends proud; it’s a feeling you will never forget.

What are you looking to achieve this season?

I’m hoping for success trophy-wise. Any competition that we go into I want to go and win it. Personally, I want to keep on improving and keep on getting better. Hopefully I can get Player of the Year just like I did when I was playing for the Under 15s.

What do you like to do to pass the time when you are not training, playing or studying?

Probably going out with some of my mates. It’s tough not seeing them as much, with training and that I rarely have time so whenever I do have any I go out with my friends.

How many days a week do you go to Ashfield College?

I’m there every single day. On Monday and Tuesday I usually go in late as I’m training with the first team. It’s 9.20am until 7pm Monday to Thursday and 9.20am to 2.30pm on Fridays. On Mondays and Tuesdays when I am training with the first team I don’t start college until 1.30pm. This is my first year at Ashfield. All the teachers are very helpful and all the other students that go there are really nice and friendly so it was easy to adjust to it and to become comfortable in that environment.

Finally, Adam, what would you as a young player say to fans who don’t show enough interest in the underage section to come along to the games?

Throughout the club the standard is really high in the Academy and the first team. I think people should come and get to know us; we are the up and coming players who are going to be hopefully representing Shamrock Rovers in the future. I think it is important that people get to know us.