Burnley defender Clarke Carlisle is out to prove wrong the theory that footballers aren't intelligent when he appears on TV quizshow Countdown. Carlisle has a reputation as one of the cleverest players in the professional game and will put his brainpower to the test as he appears on intellectual TV quiz Countdown next week.

The 30-year-old said: "They are sweeping generalisations. People say there is no intelligence in football but that couldn't be further from the truth.

"It is just like any working environment, you have a spectrum of intellect and ability. I don't think I am an exception to any of them."

Carlisle, who joined Burnley from Watford in 2007, is fulfilling a long-held dream by featuring on Countdown, the famous words and numbers game.

He failed in an audition for the show in a previous year but this time won through.

"I've been a fan since I was about seven," said Carlisle, who quickly identified the anagrams 'Kebab Boiler' and 'Deviant Dung' as team-mates Robbie Blake and David Nugent when challenged by a radio journalist.

"I've always been interested in Mensa and IQ tests. I love numbers and Scrabble is a big favourite of mine.

"I've just always been interested in that type of thing."