STEVE CALDWELL has reassured Sunderland's supporters that there will be no Christmas hangovers on the pitch when Leeds United arrive at a festive Stadium of Light on Sunday.
The Scotland international has his family from north of the border coming to the North-East to celebrate December 25 but he claims he won't even have a second helping of dinner, let alone a glass of wine.
Caldwell will be in training with the rest of the squad tomorrow, just as most other professional clubs are, while most of the country are opening presents and roasting turkey.
The 24-year-old, who has helped keep four cleans sheets in his last five starts, insists that is the only way it can be in the modern game, and he believes over-indulging would jeopardise Sunderland's chances of picking up a further three points in the promotion push.
"Nowadays a drink of alcohol is the furthest thing from a footballer's mind at this time of year," said Caldwell, who is hoping to have shrugged off a hamstring injury in time to line up with Gary Breen at the heart of the defence.
"Some will have Christmas dinner then go for a jog or a cycle just to work it off. The gaffer knows the players are professional and I won't even be having seconds.
"My family are coming down and I will only be having a small dinner to keep myself right for the game.
"It's funny really because we all moan about wanting a break at this time of the year but there's nothing better than playing on a Boxing Day if there is a fixture there to be played. I'm really looking forward to it."
There is an added incentive for Caldwell on Sunday as he spent the final three months of last season on loan at Leeds - a period when the Yorkshire club dropped out of the Premiership.
Had it not been for Sunderland's interest in the Stirling-born defender, he could easily have turned the loan deal from Newcastle permanent in the summer.
Instead Caldwell only had to make the short move from Tyneside.
But he loved his time at Elland Road and he hopes to see them climb away from Championship relegation trouble and start to challenge for promotion.
"It's a team that I have played for and it's a massive game. I'm desperate to be fit.
"I have great memories of Leeds. It was different because I was only a loan layer but it was a great place to play and it was good to get a chance of regular football," said Caldwell, who only made 20 starts during six years with Newcastle.
"It was disappointing what happened in the end for the Leeds fans. It's sad what's happened to the club but if I had my way it would be Sunderland finishing first and Leeds second in the Championship. But football is not like that.
"It feels different to be playing them because I don't know many there now, they have all been sold. It feels like a Premiership fixture almost. I learned a lot from my time there. It has helped me a great deal."
Caldwell returned to training on Tuesday and manager Mick McCarthy has been happy with his progress.
But McCarthy says he will not play the defender if there are any question marks over his fitness - meaning former Scottish part-timer Neill Collins will continue to fill the role he did so well against Burnley last weekend.
McCarthy said: "It would be silly to risk Steve if there was any doubt. But it's not worth the risk with the amount of games.
"We didn't think he would have any chance but it appears he has now. Neill came in and did well but Gary Breen and Steve have been fantastic together.
"But for Neill his development from Dumbarton has been terrific. He didn't envisage being in the team as much as he has, but he's a great pro and he wants to make himself better."
Caldwell also had words of praise for his teammate.
He said: "Neill has been great. I didn't know anything about him but he is only going to get better with time because he's only young.
"He's a really big plus for this club and he has a great future, not just at this club but for the international team as well."
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