Gaz open to linkup with Walter

GARY Caldwell would be willing to be mentored by Walter Smith if the SFA wished to have an experienced head overseeing the national team’s managerial berth.

There has been speculation this week that Smith could step out of retirement to go back to the post vacated by Gordon Strachan or that he could be enticed into a return on a consultancy level.

In any case, not only would Caldwell welcome the experience but he also believes that the SFA need to consider all their options as they look to get the country to a major tournament for the first time in 20 years.

“Listen, if Walter really wanted that job then you would have to say that he would get it,” he said. “He is one who would jump out at the board because he is so qualified. I would probably be seen as a more revolutionary candidate.

“But would I be willing to work with Walter? Absolutely. Anyone in football would work with Walter Smith. His track record speaks for itself and any young manager could learn plenty from someone with his experience.

“But for a long time I have actually thought about this with Scotland, and not just now as I am looking to step into the job: we have the experience of guys like Graeme Souness and Kenny Dalglish as well as Alex Ferguson, who is up there with the very best managers of his era, and, for a small nation, we really have to be willing to utilise these guys.

“They have experience of the very top level. They understand the demands and what it takes and we should be looking to get them, as well as some of the young Scottish coaches like myself, Robbie Nielson and Alex Rae around a table. There is so much that we could learn from them.”