Wigan Athletic midfielder Ryan Taylor admits he wants to become a professional poker player when he retires.

Taylor said: "I love poker. I play regularly on the internet and in tournaments around the north-west.

"I've been to Las Vegas twice and this summer I'll be there for 10 days, a real poker holiday with my mates. We'll see how good we really are. I'd love to do a celebrity tournament."

But Taylor shuns the designer lifestyle - "you won't catch me in a £500 shirt" - and lives alone apart from Bella, a Dalmatian.

He said: "I get lots of stick off the lads about Bella. She's no guard dog, but I know when someone's at the gate. She's got an intimidating bark, then once you get to know her. Yeah, a bit like Paul Jewell."