SCOTTISH B international Alex Rae returns this afternoon to White Hart Lane - the scene last season of a "moment of madness" which saw him sent off - determined to clean up his act.

Rae was given his marching orders on his first game back after suspension for using his elbow on French star David Ginola, an offence which earned him a four-match ban.

"What I did was not acceptable and I must make sure it does not happen again," said the 31-year-old Glaswegian.

Rae was so determined to get a grip on his temper he travelled to London during the close season to see a psychologist.

He said: "I have an aggressive game and there is a fine dividing line between what is and what isn't acceptable.

"In the past I have probably stepped over the line more than I should have done. Hopefully now I have got it under control because it has been very destructive to my career.

"It is hard enough getting into the team here without being suspended."

Rae volunteered to seek help from Anger Management to try to keep his emotions under control on the field.

"I went to see a specialist in London and I found it very helpful. It made me more aware of why I was behaving in that way.

"Being an aggressive player has helped me get where I am but I have to use that aggression in a constructive way."

Rae has a burning desire to play for Scotland, but he knows that his poor disciplinary record has not helped his international chances.

"I was 31 last month and I don't think I am too old to play for my country. I am playing at a high level and I haven't given up hope."

Rae, who gave up drinking alcohol two years ago, feels he has never played better.

He said: "There is no doubt I am fitter now than I have ever been. I played in the First Division for a long time and now I am competing regularly against the cream of world football."

Rae takes heart from the fact that Scotland manager Craig Brown has never been afraid to give older players their chance on the international stage.

"He has never shown any bias against age. He has given John McGinley, Colin Henry and Kevin Gallacher their chance and that gives me a bit of heart."

Rae knows how hard it is to get into the current Sunderland team - and it will be even more difficult when Swedish international Stefan Schwarz and the club's Young Player of the Year, Gavin McCann, are back in contention after recovering from long-term injuries.

He was chosen recently ahead of Scottish international Don Hutchison, who missed a game through suspension, and he knows he will have to be at his best to stay in the team."

"What happened at Spurs last season was a moment of madness and is something I regret. I must make sure it never happens in the future."

Sunderland manager Peter Reid said: "Alex's personal problems in the past have been well documented.

"He is an aggressive type of player who likes to get involved but the two incidents last season should not happen in football and you cannot condone conduct like that.

"The lad has accepted his punishments and it is pleasing to see him doing so well now. He was outstanding against Chelsea and it is a massive bonus for us."

l Sunderland will again reduce admission charges for their Worthington Cup fourth round tie against Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday, November 28. Adults will pay £10 and children and pensioners £5, while season ticket holders can book their own seat.

l Sunderland's Under-17 fixture against Sheffield Wednesday, due to be played today at Whitburn, has been postponed.

Today's Under-19 match against Middlesbrough, due to be held at the Charlie Hurley Centre, has been switched to Rockcliffe Park, Hurworth, with an 11.30am kick off