FC St. Pauli

Eric da Silva Moreira on…

...going away with Germany Under-18s: "They were very interesting games. I enjoyed it and it was a great honour to play for the national team. We came away with an even record of one win, one draw and one defeat."

...making his debut at Nürnberg: "It was obviously an indescribable feeling. I've been at the club for nine years and it was the day I started working towards as a boy. It was just nice to be able to play and get my first few minutes."

...role models as youth player: "I didn't really have any. I've always watched a lot of St. Pauli, I come from the district after all."

...the mood in the camp: "Everything comes easier when you're doing well and it's no problem when two or three new players are added. The lads have made me feel welcome and it's a lot of fun."

Eric da Silva Moreira celebrates another three points with captain Jackson Irvine and a successful debut in the 2-0 win at Nürnberg.

...his rapid rise in recent months: "It's all gone very quickly. I played at the World Cup first and then I joined the first-team squad. I'm happy to be here now and have a chance to learn and play sophisticated football. I want to do my best day in, day out and develop as a player."

...his great flexibility and favourite position: "I always play where I'm needed, but preferably on the right-hand side – be it in attack or defence."

...head coach Fabian Hürzeler and his playing style: "It's very sophisticated football. He demands a lot on the training ground. I'm just enjoying learning so much and developing as a player. It's hard work but it's worth it."

...the prospect of promotion: "It's still too early to talk about promotion. We stay focused on the day-to-day work. That's served us well so far and so we're taking each day and each game as it comes."

Eric da Silva Moreira in his first media round after training on Wednesday.

...the next game against Paderborn: "We'll focus hard on Paderborn from Friday to make sure we're ready. I'm excited to see if I'm involved. I'll work hard to make the squad and maybe even play again."

...his school-leaving exams: "We're almost there. I have one more maths assignment to do because I was absent. The final exams are in May and everything's looking good so far. I go to a sports school and get time off if I need it. The communication between the school and the club is good. I'll be glad when I leave school in summer and can concentrate on becoming a footballer."

...his 18^th birthday on 3 May: "It's the derby and I have an English exam ahead of me. You can't really celebrate then."

...having a future at FC St. Pauli: "I'm trying to focus on the job now and improve from session to session. We talk about contractual matters internally, that's how's how it usually done here."

Photos: FC St. Pauli/Witters