Johnny Gorman made his international debut a 17. A decade on he now hopes to help other young players as a psychologistBy Jonathan Drennan for the Guardian Sport NetworkJohnny Gorman was still at school when he won his first Northern Ireland cap against Turkey in May 2010. He made his next appearance for the national team away in Italy in a Euro 2012 qualifier, playing against Andrea Pirlo and Daniele de Rossi in midfield. At the end of the game, De Rossi sought out the teenager to give him his jersey. By the time Pirlo and De Rossi were playing for Italy in the Euro 2012 final the following summer, Gorman’s time at the top was all but over.Today, at 27, Gorman is in his second year at Bath University studying for a degree in psychology. He plays for the university XI but his days as a professional are long gone. Preparing for Pirlo has been swapped for psychology tutorials and pints in the university bar. “I wasn’t really a typical footballer,” he says. “Although I really liked the game, it was never the be-all and end-all for me. I just had so many other interests growing up.” Related: The life of a journeyman boxer: 134 fights, 123 defeats . and a few pints Related: The rugby club in Kolkata that has given hope to 3,500 street children Continue readingreadfullarticle
