A GOALKEEPER has pledged to cut down on curry after being put through his paces by legendary shot-stopper Neville Southall and the Parachute Regiment.

Liam Dobson, who is goalie for Wormingford Wanderers FC, was given a going-over at Colchester Garrison as part of energy company and FA Cup sponsor E.on’s Great Saves campaign.

Electrician Liam has been a star performer as the club has risen to the top of the Essex and Suffolk Border League Division One, letting in just 18 goals in 15 matches.

However, his lack of commitment to fitness training caused club coach Shaun Gascoyne to describe him as “a lazy toe-rag”.

On Sunday, he was given a punishing fitness session from the Paras’ physical training instructors before a one-to-one session with Southall, the former Everton and Wales goalkeeper.

Liam said: “I’m exhausted. The paras really pushed me to my limit, but I’ll be cutting down on the curries from now on and I’m going to make a promise to myself to put a bit more effort into my fitness training.

“The session with Neville was awesome. He’s given me some advice on my positioning at set pieces as well as my shot stopping, that I’m really looking forward to putting into practice.

“He’s a legend. He’s been there and done it all, so to pick up some tips from him has been great.”

Shaun said he enjoyed watching Liam get tested by the Paras and hoped “some of that discipline will rub off on him”.

E.on’s Great Saves campaign celebrates the art of goalkeeping and promotes ways for people to save energy.

For more information, visit www.eongreatsaves.com