Rigobert Song - celebrated hard man (Allsport).

Position: Defender
Born: 01.07.76
Club: West Ham

Uncompromising West Ham defender Rigobert Song is on course for a unique, if unwanted, treble at this summer's World Cup finals.

For the former Liverpool hard man has the dubious distinction of being sent off at both of the last two final tournaments.

The only man to accomplish the feat and a hat-trick isn't out of the question.

Song is a rugged defender who is sometimes rather wild in the tackle, hence his very mixed disciplinary record.

Came to the Premiership in 1998-99 after the World Cup finals in France, joining Liverpool from Serie A side Salernitana for a fee of £2.6million.

Struggled at Anfield, and made just 27 appearances before moving south to Upton Park for a similar fee in 2000.

Again failed to really make a first-team impact in London, and was loaned out to German side Cologne in November for the remainder of the season.

Was part of the African Nations Cup-winning side in February, although he had reason to forget the final.

Song had a penalty saved by Senegal keeper Tony Sylva during the shoot-out, but the Lions still went on to win.