Slap in the face gets Calderwood in the mood

GLASGOW, June 5 (AFP)

Colin Calderwood knows exactly how to get in the mood to face Brazilian superstar Ronaldo in the World Cup. The 33-year-old Scotland defender will go through a few gentle warm-ups in the dressing room next Wednesday before giving himself a number of hefty slaps on the face. The Tottenham stars self-inflicted punishment has been sometimes known to faze his team-mates more than the opposition. But the Scotland hardman believes it helps him focus on the 90 minutes to follow. He said: "Different players have different routines and this one is mine. It is no big deal. It is just helps me to concentrate on the game that lies ahead. I came into the international scene late and I aim to make the most of my chances now."  Calderwood had turned 30 when he won his first cap against Russia in 1995 and his Scotland career has continued in an upward curve since then with regular appearances in Euro 96 and the World Cup qualifiers. He has linked up well with skipper Colin Hendry of Blackburn and the pair have formed a formidable barrier. Calderwood is a keen advocate of diet and fitness. "As you get older you have to work at your fitness a bit more and I am happy to do that. A lot of players go for extra training now. It is something that makes sense considering the speed of the modern game."  Now a lean and mean Calderwood is ready for the biggest game of his life against the World Cup holders on June 10 at the Stade de France.

© - AFP - 1998