CARLISLE 6, Brazil 5 is likely to be a unique scoreline. But Clarke Carlisle is a unique kind of footballer.

Whereas Alan Brazil left school at 15 to spend two years sweeping floors at Portman Road, conducting the chores that were once customary for young apprentices while also laying the foundations for a football career, Carlisle gained straight As at GCSE level - including five A-stars.

He pipped Brazil in the final of television programme Britain's Brainiest Footballer' in 2002 by uttering "diastolic period", correctly answering the question posed by Carol Vorderman about the period in a heartbeat when the pumping chambers are relaxed and filling with blood.

He was too good for his 11 competitors, including then Leyton Orient midfielder Andy Harris, a card-carrying member of Mensa with an IQ of 153; former England international George Cohen, who knew that Cheviot and Merino were breeds of sheep, but faltered at the semi-final stage after cruising through the previous rounds; and then Rushden and Diamonds defender Jim Rodwell, who knew what NATO stood for.

Three contestants chose specialist subjects included Cars of the 90s, Only Fools and Horses and Oasis, while two players were unable to name the first footballer to win 100 England caps.

Carlisle, a defender for QPR at the time, claimed Rangers' first major trophy since 1967 when he lifted the Britain's Brainiest Footballer crown.

Now with Burnley, the 27-year-old could be the brains behind a real drive for success this season.

"He might get a bit of stick off the lads if he starts bringing broadsheets onto the team bus," quipped Clarets boss Steve Cotterill on the day Carlisle's £200,000 move from Watford was completed.

As well as an experienced defender, and intellect, it seems Cotterill is also getting a good character - a key component for the Burnley boss when it comes to new signings.

Indeed, Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd couldn't speak highly enough of the former Blackpool stopper.

"Clarke is a brilliant guy and if his football ability matched his personality he would be captain of England," he said.

"I know that he will be sorely missed around the club and people will be genuinely sad to see him go because the human qualities that he brings to wherever he works are invaluable. Therefore, I would like to wish him all the best for his future career."

Watford's loss surely seems to be Burnley's gain.

Many have expressed their surprise at the Hornets' decision to allow Carlisle to leave for a Championship rival.

Soon after returning from a loan spell with Luton Town, he put in a man-of-the-match performance against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final, but in pre-season he was dropped for the penultimate fixture against Willem II and then asked to play for the reserves against Lincoln.

A plethora of central defenders at Watford meant something had to give.

Boothroyd added: "I feel that the transfer is a good piece of business for the club as the fee we'll get is double what we paid for him two years ago, and we are well covered at centre back.

"It is also important for Clarke to get the opportunity to play as many games as he can at his age and I couldn't guarantee him that if he stayed at Vicarage Road."