Kevin Kilbane has swapped his football boots for a microphone and he couldn't be happier.

The former Everton, West Brom and Sunderland midfielder announced his retirement in December, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career that also yielded 110 international caps for the Republic of Ireland.

Kilbane now acts as an expert football summariser for Radio 5 Live and he told Soccer AM that he loves working in the media, and that his new job has "reignited his passion for football."

"I've been doing a bit of radio since I retired, though it was something I started about 18 months ago," said the ex-Preston trainee.

"I've really enjoyed it and it has reignited my passion for football as you watch games in a different way and take a lot more in.

"You really respect what the managers go through - though I have had a couple of nightmares with some players' names!"

Stressful

However, Kilbane, who will be running the London Marathon in April as well as imminently writing his autobiography, refused to be drawn on whether he will move into the world of coaching at some point.

But he did explain what he feels is the key ingredient that separates the game's top managers from their peers.

"I was working up at Hull with Nick Barmby last year and I wouldn't rule out coaching, but at this moment in time I just want to take some time," added the 35-year-old.

"I think being part of the backroom team is stressful enough but being the manager is a real tough job, so you really have to rely on your staff.

"The best managers come into their own on match-day, though, with the final little words they say before and after the warm-up."

To hear more from Kilbane and see him rapping, click the video in the top right-hand corner of the screen.