NEWCASTLE UNITED'S Steve Caldwell has set his sights on the European Championships and is in line for a recall to Scotland's starting line-up.
Caldwell was on the bench for Berti Vogt's men in their surprise 1-0 win over Holland in the first leg Euro 2004 play-off at Hampden Park on Saturday.
And now the centre-back is expected to earn only his second cap in the return leg in Amsterdam on Wednesday night - with Christian Dailly ruled out through suspension.
Dailly picked up a yellow card on Saturday after kicking the ball away. Vogts is hoping referee Terje Hauge rescinds the decision, which would allow the West Ham man to play in the return leg.
However, the Scotland boss has already made plans to be without Dailly and Caldwell fits the bill.
The Magpies defender has rarely played in the Premiership this season, but he did play the majority of the 5-0 hammering at Chelsea eight days ago after Andy O'Brien saw red.
Now Caldwell is preparing to play in the biggest game of his career on Wednesday, when Scotland aim to qualify for the European Championships for the first time since 1996.
Berti's Boys make the trip across the North Sea with a narrow lead and Caldwell has warned his Scotland teammates to attack the Dutch.
"The main thing is to get stuck into them because they are a good side and we can't let them settle," said Caldwell.
"No matter what people say, Holland are still one of the best teams in the world and you just have to look at who is in their team. OK they haven't clicked in recent games but that does not mean you disregard them.
"We have the home advantage and we have to make it count. I personally like playing the home leg first, and I have featured a couple of times for Newcastle recently which I think will help my sharpness going into this match."
Read more about Newcastle United FC here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article