Berra aiming to teach his pals a lesson.

Byline: Phil Campion 

CHRISTOPHE BERRA goes into the game against Wales with a twin target - to establish himself as a Scotland player and turn over three team-mates.

The centre-back is hoping to play his part in an away victory and earn the bragging rights over Wolves mates Wayne Hennessey, David Edwards and Sam Vokes.

Six-cap Berra said: "This is the first international in Cardiff's new stadium so hopefully we'll have a full house with a good atmosphere. It will be a more British-style game with players who are playing in home leagues.

"I'm hopeful of a start but that's down to the manager.

"If I'm playing well for Wolves in the best league in the world I'm sure it will help my chances."

Berra believes keeper Hennessey, Edwards and Vokes could have a big impact on the game.

Nightmare The former Hearts star said: "Wayne already has 22 caps and deserves a lot of praise for what he has done so far this season.

"Edwards has played in the majority Wolves games this season and gives us something different. Vokes is only 19 and on loan to Leeds right now but the reports of his performances have been good.

"He's a handful for any defence and I'd expect a tough time if I was playing against him.

"But obviously I want to go back to the club with a win and it would be great to get a goal against Wayne."

Berra received a lot of praise for his performance in last month's friendly with Japan despite the fact he scored an own goal.

He said: "I was running back facing my own keeper and it was a defender's nightmare. The ball was whipped in and I was stretching. If I hadn't touched it, the Japanese player behind me would have got the ball but I did get a touch and it went in. This is why wide players whip balls in between keeper and defenders because it is so difficult to deal with that kind of cross.

"The odd own goal is part and parcel of defending and you just take it on the chin and forget it."

Recent player interviews suggest Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is one of football's worst for dressing-room rants but Berra has never experienced rage from Scotland manager George Burley.

Berra said: "The manager is highly experienced and has his own way. He can have a few harsh words but national managers are totally different in the way they handle things."

McCarthy pursued Berra for two full seasons and finally got his man for a fee of pounds 2.5million in February.

Berra said: "Mick had wanted to sign me the previous season but Hearts did not want to sell. But I think they needed some money in February and it was down to me whether I wanted to go.

"It was an easy decision. I'd been at Hearts a long time and they had done great things for me but I needed a change of scenery, a new challenge."

In the space of 10 months Berra has played in the SPL, the Championship and Premier League.

He said: "The Championship is very fast and physical and you can't switch off. The Premier League is the same but maybe not just so fast. However, there are more quality players and if you switch off you get punished.

"I'm loving it but I need a goal. I've been close a few times but it hasn't happened yet."

CAPTION(S):

OH GEE: Scots defender Christophe Berra scores an own goal in Japan