Source: Team_Talk
Strachan praises Caldwell's form
Hoops defender Caldwell struggled to win over many of the Parkhead fans and sections of the media after signing on a Bosman from Hibernian in the summer of 2006 but manager Strachan kept faith him with through his darkest days.
Strachan's unflinching belief in the Scotland star was vindicated this week when Caldwell, along with team mate Scott Brown, and Rangers duo Pedro Mendes and Steven Davis, were nominated for the Cheque Centre/PFA Scotland Player of the Year award.
Strachan, who is also shortlisted for the Manager of the Year prize with Hamilton's Billy Reid and St Johnstone's Derek McInnes, made clear his delight in Caldwell at last receiving public recognition of his ability.
"It's absolutely terrific," the Parkhead boss said.
"Gary came to us for nothing and many people don't like it when players come for nothing because they assume nothing means bad but he has proved that is wrong.
"Nothing, with will, determination and character, can make a great player.
"Gary has been good since he has come here, full stop.
"I just see game after game after great game with him.
"Scott came for a little bit more and I'm sure there were one or two people scratching their heads because he he didn't get to where they expected him to be after three or four games last year, and he is now a sensation.
"So it shows that patience in this game - which there is not much of - and belief can go a long way."
Strachan, however, reckons Caldwell is only one of many good influences in the Celtic dressing room and hopes that two of them, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Paul Hartley - both out of contract in the summer - will be offered new deals by chief executive Peter Lawwell.
He said: "We have got a lot of players who young men should look up to.
"Stephen McManus, Paul Hartley, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Nakamura: we have a lot of people who young men can look up to not only as footballers, but as good representative of the club.
"Peter deals with contracts and I think Jan and Paul have been talking, which is good because both are favourites of mine."
Celtic's lead over Old Firm rivals Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premier League is down to one point with six games remaining.
The Parkhead boss, mindful his side came from behind to win the title last season, insists he and his players are relaxed ahead of Saturday's visit of Aberdeen.
"It's always good to have your destiny in your own hands," he said.
"We were down by a few points at this time last year so we must be reasonably pleased with what they are doing.
"You must relish the challenge of winning.
"We have to embrace the challenge of winning the championship and enjoy what other people call pressure and stress.
"We call it enjoyment."
