Cap fits for Chris at Crew
Sunday Mail 51
Chris Cadden insists Johnny Russell is his inspiration as he attempts to use the MLS as a springboard to the Scotland squad.
The 22-year- old joined Columbus Crew f rom Motherwell last summer but was immediately loaned out to English League One side Oxford United for the first half of the campaign.
Cadden finally made the life-changing move to Ohio earlier this year but made just two appearances before the league was halted due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Whi le his American dream is on hold, Cadden remains confident that his bold move will pay off – and reckons ex-Dundee United and Derby ace Russell is the benchmark.
Russell has become a tal isman for Sport ing Kansas City and is a regular in Scotland squads, proving his doubters wrong that a move to the States would quash his dream to play for his country.
Cadden, who already boasts two senior caps, said: “My dream is to play for Scot land – that ’ s the pinnacle for me. So I would never do something that would harm those chances.
“It’s great to see Johnny doing so well out here and he has received more caps and starts for Scotland than ever before.
“If Steve Clarke is looking at Johnny then why can’t he have a look at me?
“It’s a good standard out here and the league is going up and up. Even in training you get a sense of the standard of player here and it is top quality.”
Cadden’s new role as a rampaging right-back could also boost his Scotland bid given that has been a problem position since the retirement of Alan Hutton.
Cal lum Paterson and Kieran Tierney have played there out of position but Cadden is looking a natural in that berth.
He joked: “I’m officially a ful l- back now – they’ve given me the No.2 jersey!
“I played there at Oxford and that’s where Columbus boss Caleb Porter sees my future. I enjoy playing at full-back with my ability to get up and down the park.”