I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. It is a busy time for everyone, but for a footballer it is even busier.

It is a hard time to keep focused on football when friends and family are celebrating. This is where your professionalism has to be utmost in your mind and you need to concentrate fully on all of your games.

It is difficult for the lads who have children, but for most of the rest of the year we have plenty of free time, so this does help to balance things out a little.

I know what everyone at our club wants as a Christmas present ...and it would be delivered in May!

After the results in recent weeks in the Premier League it is getting really exciting. I think this season will go right to the wire - which makes a pleasant change.

There are still half a dozen teams in with a shout, and the games played over the festive period may help to give a few pointers as to who is lasting the pace better.

Just a quick thought for all those Newcastle fans who flew all the way to Barcelona only to miss the game due to the weather. Support like that is fantastic and I know their players will really appreciate it.