FEEL THE BURN

Sunday Mirror, Dec 21, 2008 by RAY HEPBURN

Owen Coyle's Burnley are taking the Championship by storm - and that could mean a return to the Scotland international squad for skipper Steven Caldwell.

The 28-year-old already has eight caps to his credit, while younger brother Gary has racked up 30, but on current form there is still time for him to begin the catch-up process.

The Turf Moor stopper has been out of the international picture since March 2006 but Coyle believes he has earned a re-think.

Already firmly lodged in the Championship play-off places, the Lancashire club await a home and away Carling Cup semi-final clash against Spurs in January.

For company, Caldwell has former Rangers striker Steven Thompson, fellow Scotland defender Graham Alexander and ex-Dundee man Kevin McDonald as team-mates. And Coyle is particularly happy with the progress of 18-year-old Alex MacDonald, a Scotland Under- 19 cap who made his debut from the bench in a recent victory at Sheffield United.

Former St Johnstone boss Coyle was Championship manager of the month for September in a season of startling progress.

"It really has been great - but we have to be careful. We have achieved nothing yet and we are only halfway though the season, so pats on the back are premature," he said.

"The Scots lads have been great - and don't forget we also had Russell Anderson on loan, who was back to his Scotland best until a cruciate ligament injury halted his season.

"It's not for me to do George Burley's job, he picks the team, but I do believe it's time for Scotland to look again at Steven. He's been such an important player for us.

"As skipper of the team he is a natural leader - a player who inspires those around him with his enthusiasm and drive.

"He just loves defending and is an avid learner. I would say Steven has never played better in his whole career and I hope he will be considered for his country again."

That could mean a return to Burley's squad in February for the get-together ahead of the World Cup trip to Amsterdam the following month.

And should he make the trip to the shores of Loch Lomond, Caldwell can split the petrol costs with Alexander, 37, a revelation for both club and country all over the pitch.

"Graham is an amazing character and he has been superb for us this season. Internationally it all happened a bit late but he's been a top pro for 18 years," Coyle said.

"He is another who has that infectious enthusiasm that carries other players with him.

"He is as comfortable at leftback as he is on his natural right side, as he has shown for Scotland, and he excelled when I used him in midfield.

"Kevin and Steven have been among the goals this month so the Scots guys really are doing well - but we are all about a team effort here and I couldn't have asked for more."

With a 2-0 win over Arsenal in the Carling Cup behind them, it seems that, after many fallow years, achievement is back on the agenda at one of the Football League's 12 founding clubs.