COLIN Hendry (pictured) is ready to get shirty with Blackburn Rovers team-mate Alan Shearer.

The Ewood duo have arranged to swap tops at the end of tomorrow's momentous England versus Scotland clash at Wembley.

But the big Scot confided that there was one condition: "I might have already had it off his back during the game!"

That sums up the Euro 96 rivalry that will exist between the Blackburn Rovers pair.

There is the greatest of respect for each other's character and ability.

"It will be strange in a way if I am playing against Alan," said Hendry.

"But you can bet it will be hell for leather both ways. That's his game and it's my game too.

"I am just glad that he is fit enough to play in the tournament because, at one stage, I didn't think he was going to make it.

"When he missed those games at the end of the season and he had intensive treatment after the operation, there wasn't really any talk about it between us because there was no certainty that Alan would be ready to play.

"But it has been natural for him in a way to battle back from the injury. Because he has already done it once from something much more serious and I am just glad he's back.

"England have a host of stars to pick from in attack but I'm sure it will be Alan up there.

"I'm also sure he is going to score plenty of goals for England. I just hope it's not against us."

Craig Brown will tell his Scotland stars to use their heads instead of their hearts in tomorrow's patriot game at Wembley as he hopes to heap pressure on hosts England.

Scotland tackle the Auld Enemy for the first time in seven years and in front of the twin towers for the first time since 1988.

But Brown is anxious his fired-up players do not get carried away with the occasion.

He even dismissed rumours the squad will watch a special screening of Mel Gibson's Braveheart' in the final countdown to Wembley.

Aston Villa defender Gareth Southgate was today getting ready for the biggest game of his career insisting that he was ready for anything.

Such is Southgate's versatility he could be moved forward into a midfield role against Scotland at Wembley, as Terry Venables considers whether to rule out David Platt, who is still struggling with his rib injury.

Despite the predictions that the clash will be played in a typically English style, Southgate said he was not sure what to expect from the Scots - but insisted England were well-prepared.

"We are prepared to contest whatever style they throw at us. I'm not convinced Scotland will play in a typically English manner. They may well play with only one man up front themselves," he said.

Last week's 1-1 draw with Switzerland was only Southgate's third international start but the 25-year-old player has taken to the international stage like a natural both on and off the field.

Southgate admits the, not always favourable, attention heaped on the team during his first major tournament came as a bit of a shock but he said he was hardening to it.

"I'm a little bit surprised, I must say. But being involved in the squad, you just read the papers in the morning and have a laugh at it," he said.

"You have to treat it like that, otherwise you go and top yourself!"

Rovers and Rangers have both strongly denied reports that England striker Alan Shearer is set for a £10million move to Scotland.

The reports suggested Rangers chairman David Murray has already spoken to Blackburn counterpart Jack Walker and agreed a fee.

But a Rangers spokesman said: "I don't know who is making up these stories. There is no truth in it whatsoever. We haven't spoken to either the club or the player."

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