Changing room chat: Craig Gordon on another treatment table

Published on Wednesday 9 December 2009 23:11

SCOTLAND goalkeeper Craig Gordon has revealed how he has turned to table tennis to help him recover from his broken arm.

The Sunderland No 1, who is expected to be sidelined until February after picking up the injury against Tottenham on 7 November, will visit a specialist next week to establish if he can step up his rehabilitation.

Gordon had a titanium plate and six screws inserted during an operation on his left forearm.

Although the record 9million keeper can't participate in training, he has discovered that ping pong can aid his recuperation.

He said: "I can't do a lot of training in the gym, so I've been playing table tennis against the physios and masseurs.

"I'm right-handed, but I've been using my left hand to try to strengthen it.

"Even with my left hand, I'm still unbeaten. I need better opposition, but the rest of the lads are out training.

"I've still got a bit of pain in the arm, but the plate and screws keep it pretty stable and the strength and movement aren't bad.

"But I'm just concentrating on recovery now. I go back to the hospital in mid-December for more X-rays and hopefully they'll show that the bones are healing."

NFL goes loco over Ochocinco

CINCINNATI Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco has been fined $30,000 by the NFL for donning a poncho and sombrero after scoring a touchdown, according to The Associated Press.

Ochocinco wore a grey poncho and black sombrero after catching a touchdown pass in the 23-13 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

NFL rules prohibit players from bringing any extraneous object on to the field.

This punishment came about a month after Ochocinco was fined $20,000 and reprimanded by the NFL for pretending to bribe an official with a dollar.

J-League winners batty for double

JAPAN'S Kashima Antlers have set their sights on a domestic soccer double despite the death of their "guardian angel" – a furry bat.

The fluttering clubhouse inhabitant, which would often sit above a framed photograph of former Kashima coach Zico, died the morning after the team won the J-League on Saturday.

Players and staff discovered the lifeless bat on the floor upon returning from Saitama on Sunday where a 1-0 win earned them the league title.

Antlers players put a brave face on the death of the talismanic creature by vowing to win the season-ending Emperor's Cup.

TALES FROM THE TABS

SMITH WAS NEARLY OUT

THE fall-out from the Rangers AGM continued in the red tops with manager Walter Smith admitting he was on the verge of leaving the club earlier this year as part of cost-cutting. Smith lead Rangers to the SPL title but not without some fear for his future. Smith said: "I don't think there is any doubt my position was being considered in the early part of this year. A lot of the aspects surrounding the club at the time ensured that was the case."

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith played down reports of an approach for Smith to succeed George Burley. He told the Daily Express: "Contrary to various press reports, I have not been instructed or directed in a specific direction on the new manager."

Clearly still bristling from his time at Ibrox, Paul Le Guen will allow Landry N'Guemo to play for Celtic in the 3 January derby despite being able to select the player for Cameroon at the same time. South of the Border, the Daily Mirror offered the story of former Arsenal, Tottenham, England and, er, Notts County defender Sol Campbell being on the verge of joining Manchester United as a free agent.