Gary Caldwell feels Scots have ‘realistic’ hopes for World Cup 2014

The Wigan defender, who will captain Scotland in their final warm-up game against Australia at Easter Road tonight, feels Craig Levein’s squad must take maximum points from their opening Group A double-header against Serbia and Macedonia at Hampden next month to maintain hope of making it all the way to Brazil in two years’ time. Caldwell is preparing for his fifth qualifying campaign with the Scots and knows how costly poor starts have been previously. Two points were dropped in the first Euro 2012 qualifier in Lithuania, while Scotland lost their World Cup 2010 opener in Macedonia.

It was in the Euro 2008 campaign, when Scotland were drawn against the then reigning world and European champions Italy and France, that they last delivered a truly credible qualification bid after winning their first three fixtures.

Caldwell is optimistic Scotland can produce something similar in a World Cup group which also includes Belgium, Wales and Macedonia.

“It’s similar to past groups in that there are a few teams who fancy topping the group,” observed the 30-year-old. “In Euro 2008 qualifying, we had France, Italy and Ukraine who all fancied it. We had a good start and we too fancied giving it a go for the top two spots.

“This time it’s similar in that most teams will fancy topping the group with sides taking points off each other. I think we’ve got a chance, more than in previous campaigns when  we had a Spain or a Holland in the section.

“I think we have to win the first two games next month. People might say it’s silly saying that, but, realistically, we have to get off to a fast start, give ourselves confidence and build from that.”

Confidence is something Scotland need to restore against Australia tonight in their first outing since the crushing 5-1 defeat against United States in Jacksonville three months ago.

“After America, it’s important that we go out and get back to ourselves and show that we are a better team than that,” admitted Caldwell.

“In friendly matches, performance comes first and foremost and then a win normally follows. But if we get a good performance and don’t win then we’ll still believe we’re going in the right direction.

“Winning games gives you confidence and I hope we get both. Australia will be difficult. They are well organised and very hard to break down. It will be another tough game.

“We’ve had a number of call-offs, but we’ve been able to call boys in. There’s a big group to pick from now. There’s a lot of players outside the squad who can easily step in.”

Caldwell is aware of the added significance a positive World Cup campaign by Scotland would have this  season after a summer of discontent and upheaval  in the domestic game.

“It has been a very traumatic time for Scottish football over the past six months with everything that has happened,” said the former Celtic and Hibs player. “But it has happened, it’s over with and Scottish football has to try and rebuild and become a force again.

“Hopefully Celtic can get through the Champions League qualifiers and give us all something to look forward to and have a Scottish name high in Europe. We want Scottish football back on the map as a respectable nation. It’s disappointing what has happened with Rangers, but  you have to move on.

“The role played by the national team is important. If we had Celtic in the Champions League and the national team doing well, then it’s good for  the country. We need some positive signs in the next few months. I didn’t believe Rangers would end up in the Third Division when the financial troubles hit home. Rangers are trying to claw their way back and everyone has to move on and build Scottish football again.”

In the absence of both Darren Fletcher and Kenny Miller, Caldwell will captain Scotland for the second time tonight, having led his country out for the first time in the 1-1 friendly draw away to Slovenia in February.

“It’s another honour for me to be captain – another great moment,” he said. “Any time you play for Scotland is special. To captain them is extra special and it being at Easter Road makes it even nicer for me.

“Hibs are a club who are  very close to my heart and  it’s a place I always look  forward to going back to.”