Just stumbled across this article on Steve Caldwell, credit where it's due!

-- Anonymous, May 04, 2001

Answers

Caldwell can be new 'Braveheart' By Brian Scott and Roger Hannah

Scotland fans would have warmed instantly to Stephen Caldwell yesterday had they been around to hear his graphic account of the goings-on in Poland the previous evening. 'We were getting elbowed and kicked,' he said about the opposition in Bydgoszcz. 'Some of their tackles, with the studs showing, were shocking. But we're a hardy-enough bunch. It would have taken more than that to stop us.'

Was this really a 20-year old novice talking? He sounded more like some old campaigner such as Tom Boyd or, had he been involved in the Scots' creditable 1-1 draw with a patchwork side, Colin Hendry.

The Newcastle United player's 35 minutes of fame as a substitute against the Poles are likely to yield many more. Here, surely, is a Brave-heart in the making - a guy prepared to suffer countless bruises for the cause.

Craig Brown didn't just have the Stirling- born youngster's red hair in mind when he mused: 'I think he's a bit like Alex Mc Leish - big and strong, dominant in the air, and confident in his ability, without being bumptious.

'Stephen is the kind of guy you want when your backs are to the wall. Big Alex was that type.

'This guy's attitude is similar. There I was last night, apologising for asking him to play in midfield instead of central defence, which is his normal position.

'But all he said to me was: "No problemî. If I'd asked him to take his boots off and go and play barefoot for us up front, he'd have done it.'

Caldwell, who had to be poached hurriedly from the Under-21 squad when Steve Pressley was declared unfit to face the Poles, registered as one of seven new caps used by the Scots.

Barry Nicholson, Gavin Rae, John O'Neil, Andy McLaren, as well as Charlie and Kenny Miller, were the others, all of them doing well enough to earn pass marks in the view of the manager.

Yet it was impossible to escape the notion that Caldwell, whose number of Premiership appearances for Newcastle have barely reached double figures, possesses a better chance than most to make himself a fixture at this level. He has a presence, both on and on the field. He radiates determination and, while it may be a folly to heap too much praise on the unproven, gives the distinct impression that his head is not for turning.

'My main aim must be to establish myself at Newcastle,' said the tenderfoot, whose younger brother and club-mate, Gary, is currently making his way with Scotland's Under-21s.

'That may be easier said than done, given the quality of players there are at Newcastle. But I don't see why I can't make that progress, as long as I work hard.'

Scotland's stand- ins made a mockery of Roger Mitchell's 'diddy game' theory, with accomplished debuts in Poland on Wednesday evening.

The international rookies who replaced the established stars seized their opportunity and, in an ironic twist, allowed Mitchell and the SPL to bask in the reflection of their success.

'It was brilliant to see the lads do so well and I'm really happy for them,' said Dunfermline manager Jimmy Calderwood.

'Steve and Barry did their best and we'll just have to wait and see whether Craig believes they deserve another chance. Neither did their chances any harm.'

Kilmarnock manager Bobby Williamson is another SPL salesman with an optimistic outlook on Scottish football and, typically, he claimed the performance in Poland merely confirmed what he has said often - there is some promising native talent in our league.

'I t was great to see these guys getting their chance in international football and we must credit Craig because it is his head on the chopping block,' said Williamson.

'Look at Andy McLaren. I'm so pleased for him and his family after what he has been through, and I keep telling young players here that anything can be achieved if they work at their game.'

-- Anonymous, May 04, 2001

Sounds like he's could turn out like Frank Brennan. A couple of more years and he could be our next captain.

-- Anonymous, May 04, 2001

If he's given the chance.

Sadly I think he won't be given the responsibility of playing and we risk out on creating a legend.

He will only get better with time. Arsenal gave Adams a chance at a very young age and look how they benefited. There are two types of Centre Backs, the ball players and the determined bruiser types. Steve is a bruiser and a leader and if he was 5 years older we'd all be clammering for his inclusion. So what does it matter if he's young?

-- Anonymous, May 04, 2001

agreed, he'd best be a regular next season or he'll be itchin' ta leave....

-- Anonymous, May 04, 2001

That would be long term planning!

Honestly what harm could come out of playing the Caldwell brothers as a partnership. Imagine Steve Caldwell with that confidence inside him? You'd be able to hear him in the upper Milburn.

Could they really be any worse than our record breaking centre backs this season?

For all the praise aimed at Hughes and Goma, they were never part of a clean sheet defence for months, it shouldn't work that way.

I know it will never happen next year but I for one would welcome it. We should be giving them the chance on Saturday. The Caldwell's are mentally strong enough to cope.

-- Anonymous, May 04, 2001

I know I've only seen them once, but I have to keep repeating it, on the evidence of their U-21 game together Gary is in a different class to Steve. Whether this means Gary is world class I wouldn't like to say, but on the evidence of U-21 level there was only one of them who was going to succeed at international level.

-- Anonymous, May 05, 2001

Steve has PL potential and could earn a good number of Scotland caps: Gary could truly be the Big Banana, and he needs to be nurtured very, very carefully. IMO he is not yet ready to be plunged into the first team - a move that could conceivably destroy his poise and confidence.

I believe BR understands what is required, and won't push him forward too early - around Easter next season could see his emergence.

-- Anonymous, May 05, 2001

I gather that Gary is even shyer than Aaron which may also be a factor.

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2001