NEWCASTLE -- I had the privilege of watching Peter Reid put the Legends through their paces on Friday. Well, minus the 'pace' element as their training drills were fairly minimal in exertion. But a sense of calm, composed professionalism pervaded the squad. They clearly mean business.

Gary McAllister and Peter Beardsley looked particularly sharp in front of goal, although Gazza looked a real shadow of his former self. I'm sure that description has been used so many times about the genial Geordie over the years, but if he makes it onto the pitch on Sunday all eyes will be on him. Just one moment of dazzling skill or invention would mean so much to the crowd and, one suspects, the player himself. Time and lifestyle don't seem to be on his side, but this country loves a fighter and fingers should be crossed that Gazza can suppress his demons and turn on the magic.

The general concensus in the build up to the match is that it all boils down to a clash of Legend brain vs Celeb brawn. I suspect that's why Graham Taylor opted for a semi-fit Mark Bosnich in goal ahead of the impressive youngster Alex Lawler. The former Aussie international is such an imposing, commanding figure that his experience will be vital in organising his defence against the possible onslaught. The decision was harsh on the hard-training Lawler, but it just goes to show how much Taylor is determined to win.

Also, should the celebs concede an early goal or two you can rely on Bosnich's motormouth going into overdrive in a bid to encourage and inspire his troops. During this week's clay pigeon shooting trip, the harsh Newcastle elements were threatening to wash away any sense of fun. But as the rain beat down upon the drenched celebs, Bosnich (or at least his disembodied voice) seemed to be everywhere. Bounding round with bandana and cigar attached to head and mouth, he kept up morale by either encouraging or jokingly jeering those firing a few practice rounds. As I mentioned, this irrepressible spirit could come in handy later on tonight.

In the build up to the big match, much has been made of the Celebrities' being in awe of the Legends. But, I wonder, could we all be overlooking the possibility that the hero-worship works both ways? Just picture David Batty in the St James' Park dressing room moments before kick off, knees trembling. 'That Jeff Brazier - he's my hero,' swoons Batty. 'He's the multichannel Parky - it's an honour to stand on the same turf as him.'

Similarly, Paul Merson could be hiding a soap opera fetish behind that grizzly exterior. 'Neighbours ain't the same without Blair McDonough,' he might growl. 'I torched my TV the day he walked out of Ramsay Street. Only my tears put out the blaze.'

And as for Ian Rush starting each day with a quick workout in front of Anthony Hutton's Disco Dancing video... well, you never know.

But away from those surreal images, a quick blast of reality from Andy Goram drags us back down to sobering reality. Putting across the opposing perspective to the soap stars on a footie pitch angle, Goram said: "If you put us on the set of Coronation Street we'd be sh*t." Now talk about blunt...