Gary Caldwell has no regrets about publicly declaring his contractual frustrations at Celtic.
Hoops defender unfazed by critics
Gary Caldwell has no regrets about publicly declaring his contractual frustrations at Celtic.
The Scotland international recently admitted that he could be tempted to leave Parkhead next summer if the Hoops fail to meet his demands for a new deal.
His current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2009/10 campaign and talks regarding an extension have yet to begin.
Caldwell could open pre-contract talks with interested clubs in January should that situation remain the same, and he has hinted that he would be prepared to engage in such discussions.
Certain sections of the Celtic support have blasted the centre-half for the manner in which he has handled the situation, but he insists the issue is best brought out into the open.
"I am an honest person and if someone asks me a question then I will give an honest answer," he said.
"That is how I felt at the time and if Celtic fans are unhappy with that, then that's their opinion.
"I think I've done a good job over the years and that is how I felt at the time."
Confidence
Caldwell was left on the bench by Tony Mowbray for Sunday's Old Firm derby defeat to Rangers, while the Hoops boss has been critical of his defensive options of late.
However, the 27-year-old has been included in Scotland's squad for their friendly date with Japan this weekend and he is delighted to still have the backing of national coach George Burley.
"My confidence is great," Caldwell said.
"It hurts me when I don't play games and the fact that I had to sit and watch us getting beat (at Ibrox) hurt me but you have to pick yourself, work hard and look to the next game and that is on Saturday.
"It's great to have the national team manager back you.
"Everyone has an opinion on the game and in times likes this people want to jump on the bandwagon and the Celtic defence seems to be the topic at the minute.
"The Scotland manager has come out and backed me and that's all you can ask for."
