Caulker unwraps his Turkish delight

Steven Caulker can’t wait for next week’s Turkish Cup final – and insists it proves he was right to try his luck with Alanyaspor.

The former Spurs, Liverpool and Dundee defender and his team-mates are gearing up for next Wednesday night’s showdown in the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, with Trabzonspor lying in wait.

Caulker, 28, joined the Turkish minnows back in January 2019 following a short stint at Dens Park where he kickstarted his career before sealing a move abroad.

Now the one-time capped England ace has his sights set on securing silverware with the cup final underdogs which he believes would justify his switch to the Turkish Super League 18 months ago.

Caulker said: “I can’t wait for it honestly. I would say it’s the most excited I’ve been in my career for quite some time.

“Having a final behind closed-doors is obviously a bit different. But it hasn’t stopped the build-up and excitement associated with cup final day.

“We’re the underdogs because it’s the first time the club have reached this final which is an achievement in itself.

“We beat TAV Antalyaspor 5-0 in the semi-final. So we know what we’re capable of.

“However, we don’t just want to be happy with that. We want to make it memorable by going all the way.

“Trabzonspor are a much bigger club and are obviously favourites, but we have belief in our own squad that anything is possible on the night.

“I knew all along this was the right place for me, and to win the final would be the icing on the cake.”

Caulker left Dundee in August 2019 after a short spell on Tayside but admits he has a soft spot for his former club.

He added: “I still enjoyed my time in Scotland and always keep an eye out for Dundee’s results. The boys at Dens Park were brilliant. They made me feel so welcome and the fans were great as well.

“I would love to see them getting back up to the Premiership next season as they’re a big club in my eyes.

“I reckon Hearts will be much-fancied to finish champions but it doesn’t always work out like that in football.”