Wimbledon disabled footballer Tim Christie will embark on a lifetime ambition when he represents his country in the Amputee World Cup, in Brazil.

Christie, 21, is part of a 15- man squad, who flew out to South America, on Wednesday, ready for the start of the tournament on November 5.

Christie, who began playing football before bone disease temporarily ended his career, says he owes a lot to England team-mate Campbell Coe for introducing him to the national squad.

The midfielder said: "I loved playing the game, but when I was eight had to give football up.

"I've had to do things differently in my life and was involved in wheelchair racing before I went back to playing football.

"It all started when I was introduced to Wimbledon Football Club disability team, through the limbless association.

"I had been with Wimbledon two years when Campbell asked me to try out for England, on trial.

"Since then I've played six games, scored a hat-trick against the USA and have enjoyed it. This is the first time I've taken part in something like this."

The prospect of playing in Brazil excites Christie, but the SW19 resident says he is not getting over confident.

"Going to Brazil is exciting," he added. "But I'm sure it will be a tough experience.

"We fly out there, have five days to acclimatise and then start the tournament.

"I don't know who we are playing.

"The draw will be made when we are out there.

"There will be several very good sides, including Russia and Brazil.

"I don't want to say how we will do. It would be wrong of me to say we will go out there and win it easily."

Christie says he's received numerous good luck messages from the people of the borough.

"Most of them have been brilliant," he said. "They appreciate what I'm doing. I'm the only player in London in the England squad.

"It's important for me, and it could encourage people in the local community to follow my example."

November 6, 2001 15:00