If Only We Could Turn Back Time

Last updated : 22 October 2011 By Ed_Scottishfitba

cherGary Caldwell would love to be able to have a time machine so Scotland could start their EURO2012 campaign again. If they knew then what they know now, things could all be so different. Caldwell believes a second place in Group I would have been possible if the qualifying campaign began again. He wants the squad to take the upcoming friendlies seriously in preparation to making a good start in the World Cup qualifying campaign. In EURO2012 Scotland drew in Lithuania and lost in the Czech Republic early in the campaign. This meant they faced an uphill struggle to reach Poland and Ukraine, although a home draw against the Czechs ultimately proved crucial as Scotland finished third in the pool. manager Craig Levein will take his side to play Cyprus on 11 November  and Caldwell is keen to continue the progress made so far.
 
Caldwell said: "The start we had cost us in terms of qualifying. I think if the group was to start now, without doubt, we could comfortably finish second. But unfortunately we had that slow start and couldn't recover. Now it's about regrouping and maintaining momentum in the friendlies we've got and making sure everyone turns up and tries to keep this progression going so that when the World Cup qualifiers come around, we hit the ground running."
 
Caldwell also spoke about his time at Celtic and how he is enjoying life in Wigan away from the Old Firm rivalry. When asked whether he could return to Scottish football one day, the Latics defender said: "Never say never in football. You are always open to certain things but I have definitely enjoyed my spell down here. Having played for Celtic in the Glasgow goldfish bowl, your life outside football is very pressurised as well. So to come down here and have that life back with my family, not worrying where to go and what places to go, that's good and I enjoy that side of it."