CAULK O’ THE NORTH
SFA mull move for former England star Steven after his plea to swap shirts
EX-ENGLAND star Steven Caulker has told Steve Clarke he’s ready to answer a Scotland defensive SOS.
The controversial Tottenham and Liverpool centre-back has been starring in Turkey with Alanyaspor and reached out to national coach Steven Reid to declare his dream of call-up.
Caulker, who scored on his Three Lions debut in 4-2 friendly win against Sweden in 2012, qualifies for Scotland through his
grandmother and was first approached by Craig Levein eight years ago.
The 27-year-old has battled alcohol and gambling demons as well as bouts of depression but insisted at the weekend he is back on track in Turkey.
Scotland have limited options at the centre of defence – with Grant Hanley, John Souttar, Liam Cooper crocked, as are contenders Craig Halkett and David Bates, while Scott McKenna is battling back from injury.
Declan Gallagher was drafted in at the weekend but Caulker is hoping to force his way in for next month’s clashes with Cyprus and Kazakhstan.
Reid said: “Steven has made it clear he’d like to be considered. We’ll monitor the situation and hopefully get out and see him.
“The key point is that he’s gone out of his way to make that clear. He phoned me directly. So there’s an interest there. He’s had a promising start over there.
“Steven definitely could be an asset. He has Premier League experience and played for some big clubs. So we definitely can’t discount it. It seems like he’s in a really good place. He’s enjoying his football and life again.”
Caulker impressed during a short spell with Dundee two seasons ago and turned down a £2million move to Rosenborg before triggering a release clause in his contract in before signing for Super Lig side Alanyaspor last January.
The centre-back has been receiving rave reviews in Turkey and Reid added: “I know him and played against him a few times at club level.
“He obviously played for some big sides in England and got some big moves.
“It’s well documented he’s had his difficulties. I think he’s found a place now, out of the media spotlight here.”