Charalambous gets time off army to take aim at Scots

Defender Angelis Charalambous knew he was consigning himself to national service when he left Motherwell to return to Cyprus in the summer – but the move has paid off as he prepares to make his full international debut against Scotland.

The 22-year-old decided to quit Scotland after failing to make a first-team appearance during his sole season at Fir Park following a move from Anorthosis Famagusta. The move to Scotland saw him released from the final months of his stint in the army but the under-21 international’s career stalled as he never managed to come off the bench.

A heart-to-heart with Motherwell manager Stuart McCall prompted him to return to his homeland to sign for top-flight side Ermis Aradippou, where he plays alongside ex-Kilmarnock forward Danny Invincibile.

Regular football saw him win a first full call-up last month but Charalambous could not get permission from the Cypriot army to travel to Norway for the 3-1 Euro 2012 qualifying defeat as his move home had triggered a return to national service.

The defender, whose duties have included driving tanks and standing guard, said: “I couldn’t get permission to go to Norway. I have another two months left in the army.

“I go to the army in the morning and come out in the afternoon for training. It’s difficult but everyone has to go in the army. You can’t work extra in the mornings and go to the gym but I just get on with it.”

Charalambous has secured enough time off to prepare for Friday night’s friendly in Larnaca. He added: “The coach of the national team really helped me out. The army understand they have to help out. It’s just difficult waking up in the morning and doing what I have to do.”

Charalambous places no extra significance on the fact that his international debut is set to be against Scotland, despite his disappointment at failing to break into the Motherwell team.

“A match is a match,” he said. “It was a disappointment not to play for the first team but I had a few injuries and never really had the right fitness to play.

“There were some really good players in my position. Also the younger players trying to get a game were good players and they were there longer than me.”

Charalambous, who Motherwell signed after under-19s coach Gordon Young spotted him during a youth tournament in Cyprus, added: “I have got good experience from it. I learned a lot from Stuart McCall and also Gordon Young helped me a lot. I owe him a lot.

“Also, Archie Knox and Craig Brown really helped me.

“Stuart McCall sat down and talked to me at the end of the season and really helped me out.

“He told me what to do and it worked out. He said to me to go back to Cyprus and get games. I don’t know what will happen in the years to come. Now I’m just trying to improve my game.”