Caddis Realistic about his Future as he nears the End of His Contract.

Last updated : 12 October 2009 By Clydebuilt

I have to admit I do have a degree of sympathy for young Paul. When I first read the quotes attributed to him this morning my initial thoughts were that he should make sure he is doing everything he can on the training ground to ensure that he is getting a fair crack of the whip before running to the press.

However young Paul comes across as realistic and mature regarding his future and also the compromises he is willing to take. You really do get the impression that they young full-back would drag his nuts over half a mile of broken glass to get a few minutes in a Celtic shirt, however it would appear that he feels that a move may be better for his career.

"My contract is up at the end of the season," he said. "I will see that out then we will see what happens.

"The next couple of months will be crucial for me. I am 21 and the most important thing for me is to start playing football on a regular basis.

"Right now should be my best opportunity, with both Andreas Hinkel and Danny Fox being out injured so I was disappointed, in a way, that Mark Wilson and Lee Naylor played [against Rangers] at the weekend."

That is the problem that Paul faces at this stage in his career - the fact that there are two established professionals for each full back position ahead of him for places in the squad, however it would appear that Paul is willing to accept his fate and move on if things do not work out for him at Paradise.

"There is life after Celtic if it doesn't work out," he said. "Ross McCormack, Stephen Hughes and Ross Wallace all left the Old Firm and are now in the full Scotland squad. David Wotherspoon also left Celtic and is playing every week at Hibs and is in the Under-21 squad. They have benefited from leaving and I look at that and think sometimes 'that could be me,' if not at Celtic then at another club."

"The Celtic manager has also got to cover his own back and that is why I wasn't allowed to go out on loan," he said.

"My time with Dundee United showed I can cope at SPL level. It made me more experienced and confident playing every week and having a manager who wants to play me home or away.

"I played 12 out of 13 games at Dundee United and picked up a lot. However, it is going to be hard because there isn't a reserve league and it is difficult to get 90 minutes here and there.

"Unfortunately, because of our Europa League ties then if Neil Lennon arranges a bounce game in England on a Wednesday then I can't go because we'll have a tie on the Thursday.

"That's why I have to try and kick on and earn a place in the team and if I get in I have to stay in."

Best of luck in your quest Paul

Yours in Celtic

Clydebuilt