FROM PELTERS IN THE PUB TO PLAYING IN PERU
Cadden gave as good as he got in London boozer watching Auld Enemy last summer – now he’s centre stage for Scotland’s Latin America trip
CHRIS CADDEN was buried in the heart of a London boozer taking pelters as Scotland had their last summer outing.
This time, the Motherwell star will be part of the action as opposed to part of the crowd.
Cadden was behind enemy lines when the Scots clashed with England last year.
Surrounded by supporters of Gareth Southgate’s troops as the nations clashed at Hampden, the Fir Park ace could not contain his delight as Leigh Griffiths smashed a couple of free-kicks beyond Joe Hart.
But he joy turned to despair as Harry Kane broke Tartan Army hearts in the last minute.
One year on, Cadden will be at the centre of the screen.
With Alex McLeish handing a number of uncapped and inexperienced Premiership stars a chance to cut their teeth on the Peru and Mexico trip, the Steelman has been thrust into a dream role.
It’s a big change for Cadden from last summer when he was reduced to watching Scotland on the telly.
He said: “When Scotland played against England at this time last year, I was down south because my girlfriend was there.
“It was the off-season so I was down seeing her and, when the game was on, I was actually in a pub to see it.
“I was surrounded by England fans. You can’t expect anything else when you are watching an England game in London.
“I have to admit, when Leigh Griffiths scored his first free-kick in the game to make it 1-1, I let out a little cheer.
“But when he scored his free-kick to put Scotland 2-1 up near the end, I couldn’t really help myself. I lost it a bit.
“Then England went up the park and scored to make it 2-2. They gave me a bit back.
“That was fair enough. You have to take it if you give it out. I couldn’t have imagined being part of the squad going away now just a year on from that.
“All I have tried to do is concentrate on Motherwell and do as well as I can for the club. The hard work has paid off and it’s a real honour.”
From punter to participant, Cadden will fulfil a career ambition if he gets a cap.
For the first 21 years of his life, the Motherwell man has always believed that representing his country is the ultimate. Now the opportunity might be just a matter of days away.
He said: “I’ve been Scotland through and through, even as a little boy. When the games are on, I’ve always been a supporter.
“I was always brought up to feel that playing for Scotland and representing your country is the pinnacle of your career.
“That should be the main thing you want to do and for it to actually happen is a dream come true. There were a few messages last Thursday when the call-up happened but I was too wrapped up in the preparations for the Scottish Cup Final to think about it.
“I did try to take an hour out of the day to send messages back and thank people for their kind words. I also made a phone call to my mum and dad to tell them but then the focus went on to Hampden. Now I have the chance to take it all in.
“It’s a huge honour to be involved with the Scotland senior squad and it is going to be really something to pull on a dark blue jersey.
“It’s also for my family as well. It’s something you dream of as a kid and for it to become a reality is brilliant. I’m really looking forward to being involved with it all.”
Cadden’s not alone in getting a chance to shine.
Hibs’ Lewis Stevenson and Celtic duo Scott Bain and Lewis Morgan are among those who can savour a first cap and get the chance to impress McLeish ahead of the upcoming Euro 2020 qualification campaign and Nations League bid.
Cadden believes the openings are there for several of the squad to join more illustrious countrymen in Big Eck’s thinking for the future.
He said: “The opportunity is there for a few of the boys to try to get their foot in the door.
“The plan is to be there and make an impression.
“There might be one or two of the more regular names not involved with the trip but there is still a very good squad over for the games and to be part of that is a real boost.”
Cadden also believes he might not be the last of Motherwell’s impressive squad to get a shout.
Full-back Richard Tait has
been widelytipped as a contender for a call-up at some point, while youngster Allan Campbell is progressing with the Under-21 squad.
Cadden said: “Richard has been fantastic for us. There are others guys. Wee Allan is away with the Under-21s and he can’t be far away.
“We’ve had a real good season at Motherwell and it’s good to get the recognition.”