Scotland in talks to hand ex-Spurs and Liverpool defender Steven Caulker shock call-up… despite him SCORING for England – The Sun

SCOTLAND bosses are locked in talks to hand ex-England defender Steven Caulker a shock call-up.

Coach Steven Reid revealed ex-Spurs and Dundee stopper Caulker, now playing in Turkey, is in line to feature in the qualifiers against Cyprus and Kazakhstan next month.

Talks have already started with Caulker, who won one England cap and scored in a friendly against Sweden in 2012, and qualifies for Scotland through his granny Jessie who comes from Dollar.

Reid, who will fly to Russia with the squad tomorrow, said: “I’ve spoken to Steven Caulker and he’s been in good form for his club, and is doing well in the Turkish league.

“Steven has made it clear he’d like to be considered for Scotland. We’ll monitor the situation, watch the games, and hopefully get out and see him.

“The key point is he’s gone out of his way to make it clear he wants to play for us. He phoned me directly, so there’s an interest there. He’s had a promising start over in Turkey.

“It seems like Steven’s in a really good place at the minute, he’s enjoying his football and life again.

“I know him and played against him a few times. He played for some big sides in England and got some big moves.

“I think it’s well-documented Steven’s had his difficulties.

“But he’s found a place now out of the spotlight, and it looks like he’s really enjoying his family time and his football. Steven could be an asset. We definitely can’t discount it.”

Caulker, 27, has overcome issues with alcohol, gambling and depression to revive his career.

Caulker, who currently stars for Alanyaspor, said: “The chance to play international football again would be amazing.

“Scotland have so much potential with the players they have. I’d love to help and to share my experience, so we’ll see.”

Scotland are thin on the ground for central defenders with John Souttar, Scott McKenna, Liam Cooper, David Bates, Craig Halkett and Grant Hanley all missing the double header with Russia and San Marino.

Charlie Mulgrew is set to start in Moscow, with Aberdeen’s Michael Devlin, Kilmarnock’s Stuart Findlay or Declan Gallagher of Motherwell in line for a first cap.

Gallagher has been a standout for Well, with boss Stephen Robinson tipping him to be a success for Scotland.

Reid praised Gallagher’s career fightback from a 12-month jail term in 2016 for assault. He added: “Declan’s in on merit, he’s in on form. It’s good to have him involved, and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“He’s remorseful of the incident that happened in the past. It’s a second chance for him, and hopefully he grabs it with both hands.”

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