Gary Caldwell admits playing his first game of the season in a European Championship qualifier for Scotland would represent a gamble but one that he is ready to take.
The Wigan defender has not featured at first-team level since recovering from a hip operation in the summer but was drafted in by Craig Levein for the forthcoming double-header against the Czech Republic and Spain.
"You will never be match fit unless you play matches and when you come back from injury, there is always going to be a first game," Caldwell said. "You are never going to be 100% right so whenever that game comes, it probably is going to be gamble. But you have to take that some time and if it's Friday night or Tuesday, I have said to the manager I am ready for that challenge."
With Lee McCulloch suspended for the first game in Prague on Friday night and Paul Hartley out injured, Levein could revert Caldwell back to the holding midfield position he occasionally played at Celtic.
However, the defender is happy to take on any role, regardless of obvious questions surrounding his match fitness.
The former Hibernian defender continued: "I was surprised to be in the squad. But it was a boost for me to get back involved so soon.
"I am just happy to be back, I have been out for a long time. But I have been training for a long time and I am fit enough to play.
"I haven't played enough football in terms of 90 minutes.
"I have played 45 minutes at the training ground then I had a reserve game against West Ham where I played 65 minutes so 90 minutes is the next step.
"I am ready to play and do what the manager asks me to, but that will be his decision."
Source: PA
