McGeady was left out of Celtic’s last two games and fined two weeks’ wages after a dressing room row with Strachan following the 1-1 draw with Hearts just over a fortnight ago.

In the Republic of Ireland player’s enforced absence, the champions beat Falkirk 3-0 last week but more significantly, moved seven points clear of Rangers at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League following their 1-0 win at Ibrox on Saturday.

While looking forward to the return of McGeady, the Scotland defender backed his manager.

“It’s his job to make big decisions,” Caldwell said. “He made the call over Aiden and the club stood firm with him.

“He is the manager and his decision is final.

“In any walk of life, that’s how it works – and that’s how we work as footballers, as well.

“Aiden will come back and get in with the lads at training again. He will become part of that unit and there is no divide within the dressing room.

“We would rather have him in the team than not. It will be good to have him back. I don’t think he will go to another club in January."

“The situation has been handled by the club and is now in the past."