I played for Arsenal and Liverpool but now I’m punching Matt Hancock in the face on TV

As the world of sport embraces more crossover duels than any other time in history, a new and unlikely feud is set to take place.

Sport and politics have often been interlinked, despite many preferring them to say apart.

But sometimes worlds collide and two people unexpectedly come together by the power of fate.

Now, two of sport and politics' most intriguing figures go toe-to-toe in a slugfest to be aired on Channel 4 next week.

Introducing ex-Liverpool and Arsenal star Jermaine Pennant and Conservative Party member Matt Hancock.

The duo will contest the latest episode of the hugely popular show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, which sees 16 personalities put through their paces by a group of ex-army officials.

The show pushed the celebrities to their limits with a host of daring challenges, testing their physical and mental strength.

In the upcoming series, talkSPORT’s Pennant goes head-to-head with the former Health Secretary in an all-out punch up and the former Anfield star admitted a degree of nerves before lacing up his glove.

“It’s called milling,” Pennant told talkSPORT Breakfast. “It’s where you put your boxing gloves on and your hat and you have a box and I fought Matt Hancock.

“We’re not named, we're just numbers so they shouted out my number and they shouted out Matt’s and as I was getting ready I was thinking the nation is going to be seeing this, do not lose.”

Hancock became public enemy number one following a breach of Covid-19 social distancing restrictions after being caught engaging in an extramarital affair.

It led to him resigning from his post after an angry reaction from sections of the British public and whilst the resentment towards him still lingers in some quarters, Pennant admitted it was win or bust for