Thursday, 30 September 2010

Martinez backs Caldwell call

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has no concerns regarding Gary Caldwell's call-up to the Scotland squad.
The 28-year-old former Celtic centre-half is on the road to recovery from hip surgery, his last performance coming on the final day of last season when he received a red card in the 8-0 defeat at Chelsea.
But despite a lack of action since the operation, Scotland boss Craig Levein recalled Caldwell to his squad for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Spain.
Martinez, though, is not concerned and is confident Scotland will only select the defender is he is fit.
"We have a very good relationship with Scotland. They know exactly where Gary is," he said.
"The two medical departments have been in contact and I am quite happy for Scotland to call Gary up and use his experience and leadership.
"Physically they know he cannot be available for the two games but he is capable of performing in one of them.
"The demands of international football are very different to the demands of the Premier League.
"Gary is ready to play 45 minutes of international football if that is what Craig Levein wants.
"From our point of view it would speed up the rehabilitation period for Gary and get him closer to full fitness for the demands of the Premier League.
"It will be a great reward because Gary has been working hard and deserves the call up. Representing his country is something he really enjoys and takes real pride in.
"I am sure if Gary can join the squad and train, he is going to show the level he is at and that will be a real asset to the squad."
Far from taking the call-up in a negative way, Martinez expressed his pride that a Wigan player had been selected for an international squad.
"We are extremely delighted and proud for him at Wigan that a player who has not played a minute is highly rated by his national team manager," he added.
"That is something that is going to help him physically and mentally so he is ready to play for Wigan.
"What is important they know Gary's treatment and the programme he has been through.
"He is four to six weeks ahead of schedule. We did not expect Gary to be on the pitch now. That is real credit to the work he has done."
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