Caldwell: I won't change for critics
Celtic defender Gary Caldwell will not change his style of play to please his critics.
The news in January that the Scotland player would be joining the Hoops in the summer from Hibernian was not met with approval by many of the Parkhead faithful who subscribe to the popular perception that the 24-year-old all too often resists the temptation to simply clear his lines under pressure.
Celtic fans’ fears about Caldwell appeared to be validated in part in the Hoops’ opening-day game against Kilmarnock last week when a lack of concentration allowed Steven Naismith a great opportunity to score early in the game.
The Killie striker ultimately spurned the chance thanks to good goalkeeping by Artur Boruc but although Gordon Strachan’s side got their SPL campaign off to an impressive start with a 4-1 win, Caldwell was arguably at fault for Naismith’s late consolation strike when he failed to clear.
But ahead of the champions’ trip to Tynecastle to play Hearts in the SPL tomorrow, Caldwell was adamant he will not employ a more basic style to appease his detractors.
He said: “I felt quite comfortable and enjoyed my debut and apart from my one wee slip up in the first half where Artur Boruc saved me, I was very happy with my performance.
“I think the manager brought me here for the attributes that I’ve got.
“Hopefully I can learn things and become a better player but I’m not going to change the way I play the game.
“It’s something I was brought up to do and it’s the way I enjoy playing. It might be risky at times, but when it comes off I think it’s effective.
“I’m just a footballer who turns up every day and tries to do the best I can do, if that’s good enough for the manager then I’ll be in the team.
“I’m sure everyone else is in the same boat.”
Celtic’s visit to Tynecastle will give the Edinburgh side the first chance of the season to test themselves against the champions.
The Tynecastle club’s majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov has claimed that the Old Firm were being caught up by his side.
Caldwell is on record claiming that pundits and supporters who think Paul Le Guen’s Rangers side will wrest the title away from Parkhead “don’t really know what they are talking about”.
And the Hoops defender was also dismissive of Romanov’s assertion, adding: “I don’t really listen to what Romanov says to be honest.
“He says a lot of things but it’s not got any affect on us. It’s early in the season but it’s a big game because of what goes with winning against a rival.
“Both teams know it’s a big game and come Sunday it could be a good game for the fans because of the importance that goes with it.”
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