Caldwell for me shows massive spirit in all aspects of his football career and can add guile, strength and drive in a match that can sometimes lead the team on to victory. Many of the last gasp victories that we have pulled off in recent times have come from moves started by Caldwell. This reminds me of a former Celtic Captain who always drove the team on from the back never knew when he was beaten let alone settles for anything else other than a draw. Whilst I would never directly compare Caldwell to the legend that is Roy Aitken, there are tangible similarities. Maybe Caldwell is like Aitken-lite!
The very that he managed to inspire a lot of these last gasp victories from the right back position also shows how strong a character this player has, and it is this character coupled with some fine performances both in defence and midfield, that has turned a lot of opinion in Gary's favour.
One admirer and backer of Caldwell needs no introduction. Billy has commented on the negotiations and would welcome the news of an agreement as soon as it is forthcoming.
He said: "If that type of contract is offered, I can't see Gary walking away from it. He'd be delighted.
"I believe players reach their peak from anything from 27 to 31.
"They have everything then - experience, strength, ability and they aren't on the slide.
"From that point of view, Gary is worthwhile and, if Celtic tie him down, that would be excellent.
"I'm sure when he came from Hibs there were some question marks about him but Gary has proved he is a Celtic player.
"He is established and entitled to be in there. I can see him and big Stephen McManus being a dominating partnership in the future.
"Gary has had a super career. I remember he and his brother Steven went to Newcastle at the same time.
"He has had a tremendous cycle of clubs and none bad. That speaks for his ability.
"Centre-half, for me, is an important position. Gary has played a variety of roles recently but knows what he is doing and lends a strong helping hand to the team."
Billy also commented on the pressure that Caldwell was under to win the fans over. Many fans never saw the potential in the player and this coupled with a few high profiles gaffes in Europe saw many fans taking their anger out on Caldwell.
Billy said: "The world is full of those players. Fans make decisions too early but Celtic fans support the club in a dramatic manner.
"The lovely thing is, if you go to Celtic and become respected by them, it is everlasting. You have to work to do it and apply yourself to ensure they are convinced.
"Gary has proved that and all credit to him.
"The most important thing for centre-halves is to prove they can defend. If you can add good passes to that, that is a bonus.
"If they are continually getting zero scores, that allows victories by one goal.
If you can't defend, there is no point."
Billy also gave his support to the partnership that Caldwell enjoys with Club captain Stephen McManus, another player who has taken his fair share of criticism in the past.
"You need a partnership at centre-half. If you're not losing goals, it is easier to win games and Celtic aren't losing goals.
Caesar then continued in his praise for Paolo Heidini, citing his tidy performances as a defensive midfielder as proof of the players ability.
"Gary has played further forward recently as a midfield player and can accommodate that.
"He's established himself as a really nice player.
"Gary's been excellent. You tend to find it is more difficult for defenders to be prominent.
"Forwards make the game exciting and defenders keep it down.
"But Gary has done very well. There is no sense in coming into a club and looking at the past.
"You have the responsibility to make the future and he's done it successfully."
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt