With the National League currently on lockdown, The Mail speaks to marauding Barrow AFC midfielder Lewis Hardcastle.

During our question and answer session, the former Blackburn Rovers player talked football idols, good advice, and his career highlights:

When did you first start playing football and what attracted you to it?

"I grew up playing with my older brother from a very young age and that led to me being scouted by Blackburn Rovers when I was six. My brother now plays for Ashton United but he was at Atherton Collieries earlier this season – he moved to Ashton a couple of days before were due to play Atherton in the FA Trophy!"

What do you enjoy most about playing football for your current team?

"Winning! It's not as simple as just the result though, there is a fantastic team spirit amongst the squad and a lot of hard work goes into what we do to win. Being part of that is fantastic and there is nothing more rewarding than getting three points on a Saturday."

What’s been the highlight of your footballing days so far?

"I was part of the Salford City team that beat Notts County in the FA Cup back in 2015. We were in the Northern Premier League and they were in League Two at the time."

Who do you look up to in football and why?

"It might be a bit of an obvious one but it has to be Cristiano Ronaldo. He does everything right on and off the pitch and he is a great role model to younger players."

Who has had the most influence on you as a footballer and in what way?

"David Dunn was at Blackburn when I was and it would have to be him. He obviously played in the same position as me and he taught me a lot about it when I was growing up. The lessons stick with me even today so I’m very grateful for that."

What’s your aims in football?

"Quite a simple one really, to play as high up the football pyramid as I can - hopefully with Barrow!"

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

"To work hard and never give up on your dreams."

What’s the worst part of training for you?

"I'm maybe a bit unusual as I love training and there are no bad parts for me. The same can't be said about everyone but I won't name any names!"

Do you have a set routine in terms of preparation on a match day?

"Yeah I'm very superstitious so I do everything exactly the same for every game, home or away."