McCreadie insists he does not fear Canada at Vancouver Paralympics

By David Jordan, Sportsbeat

 CURLING skip Michael McCreadie has called on Great Britain to strike while the iron is hot when they lock horns with defending Paralympic champions Canada in their own backyard.

RARING TO GO: Michael McCreadie insists he is not daunted by the prospect of facing Canada in their own backyard (Getty Images)

McCreadie returned with a silver medal from Turin four years ago after being defeated 7-4 by Canada in the gold-medal showdown.

Jim Armstrong's hosts will be hot favourites to retain their crown after dominating the World Championships on home ice last year.

But McCreadie insists his troops will have the perfect chance to catch the Canadians unawares in their opening clash on Saturday.

"They are the team to beat but we're very happy playing them first because we might be able to catch them cold," said McCreadie, whose side will also face USA, Korea, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Germany and the Czech Republic in a round-robin format.

"We're all absolutely chomping at the bit to go, we know the challenge that awaits us, and we know they are good but we're ready for them.

"I don't think they'll be chuffed with starting against us because we've played them a couple of times this year and we've won one and lost one so we know, and they know, that on our day we can trouble them.

"But it isn't just Canada who we have to watch out for; the sport has come on leaps and bounds over the years.

"There has been a lot of competition for places and lots of support for us going into these Games.

"We now have to put all that work into a quarter-final position and absolutely anything can happen after that."   

McCreadie will be joined in the all-Scottish team by Angie Malone, Tom Killin, Aileen Nielson and Jim Sellar for the tilt at the podium.

And Sellar, who narrowly missed out on selection for the 2006 Games, admits he's desperate to make up for lost time in Vancouver.

"It was really disappointing not to be part of the team in Turin, but I was delighted when they won silver," said Sellar.

"I think the best way to get over it will be if I can win gold in Canada, which would make me very happy.

"I've been part of plenty of World Championships and I've won gold there and bronze but this is my first Paralympics.

"I think it is going to be very special and I'm very excited to be going out there.

"It really is a dream come true to me and now I just hope I can help the team win a medal.

"I went out there last time to support the guys so I know how good it is to watch; now I want to know how good it is to play there.

"Last time they were just so close to that gold medal and we've all put so much work in so we know it's possible for us to do it."