TELEVISION chef Delia Smith introduced her special footballers' diet yesterday.

Delia, who is a director of Norwich City, has developed a high-carbohydrate, low fat diet for footballers in conjunction with nutritionist Dr Sarah Schenker and potato experts McCain.

Yesterday, she put Scarborough FC through their nutritional paces yesterday ahead of Saturday's key FA cup clash. Then she shared the secrets of the diet, which is based on carbohydrate-rich potatoes.

It was originally developed to strengthen Norwich City players' stamina and energy levels but now, starting with Scarborough, Delia and McCain are extending the plan to other clubs.

"For the modern footballer, diet and fitness are as important as skill," she said.

"The right meal strategy can make the difference between serving up a lukewarm performance or a match-winning one full of energy, power and commitment.

"Science shows that foods high in carbohydrates and low in fat, combined with the correct fitness regime, enable players to sustain their stamina and energy levels right up to the full-time whistle."

Typical meals in the plan include marinated chicken with honey and ginger, served with mango and sultana salsa, and saffron-roasted potatoes, chips with red onion, tomato and chilli relish and cheese, onion and potato bread with thyme.

Scarborough will travel to Lancaster City on Saturday to play in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup.