Paul Caddis played in 13 SPL games for Dundee United last season and now that he's had a taste of regular first team football the full-back doesn't relish the prospect of returning to reserve team football. He's determined to force his way into new boss Tony Mowbray's side, into the slot currently occupied by German international Andreas Hinkel, but if, by January, his best endeavours haven't been good enough then the young defender will be examining the options as he moves into the last six months of his contract.
Caddis has received encouragement from the new manager but he's almost certain that Mowbray will start with Hinkel in Saturday's opening SPL fixture at Pittodrie. "I'm at the age where I want to try and play," he said. "Thankfully, everyone has a clean sheet and we all know where we stand. I don't know if I'll be playing on Saturday for example, but I do know everyone at the club is eager and ready to play for him."
"He's been happy with me, but he's also been happy with Andreas Hinkel." said Celtic's number 52. "Andy might have got a bit of stick last year but at the end of the day he's a German international, so I just need to keep working away and try to impress. I'm ready for a place. I was ready last year but was sent out on loan to Dundee United. That definitely helped me because at least now the new manager is able to see me in competitive SPL games."
"The frustrating thing is once you start playing first team games in front of crowds you want to do it every week." said the Ayrshire bhoy. "That's human nature. I played 13 games with United so, with all respect, the last thing I want to do is come back to Celtic and play reserve football. It's not good for me, but I know the rest of the boys are trying to do the same."
"This is the last year of my contract, so it's a big season." he said. "I don't know if I'd want to go on loan because anything can happen. Injuries and suspensions could crop up and all of a sudden you're in. We'll wait and see where we are come January then I'll assess my options."
Celtic Park is buzzing at the moment following the team's terrific display in Moscow last week. The 2-0 victory over Dinamo has set up an eagerly anticipated Champions League play-off against Arsenal and Caddis would love to play a part against Arsene Wenger's highly rated side. "The new manager became an instant hero with that win in Moscow." he said "Because it was the first time in ages we'd won away from home in Europe."
"You just think we always seem to get the hardest teams." he concluded. "They're a good side but there's a breath of fresh air at Parkhead right now. Scott McDonald's playing well, Marc-Antoine Fortune looks sharp, so we've got players to hurt Arsenal. Defensively they're not great, so we can definitely get at them. We've beaten the biggest teams at Parkhead, so I don't see why we can't do it again."