Caldwell Excited / Fixture Confusion

By Matthew Jones
July 1 2002

Coventry new-boy Gary Caldwell will meet his new team-mates for the first time today as The Sky Blues begin pre-season training.

The 20-year-old Scotland international is on loan for a season after recently signing a new two-year deal with Newcastle.

Caldwell is expected to slot in alongside Mo Konjic as City's first choice central defensive pairing.

And Caldwell is looking forward to playing with the Bosnian international, who won high-regard from supporters last season.

Caldwell said: "I have heard a lot about Mo and I am very much looking forward to playing alongside such a powerful and experienced guy, and I am sure I will learn a great deal from him."

And the Scotland international has told City fans what they can expect of him.

"I like to win the ball and pass it. I keep things simple and like to play the ball out from the back rather than boot it up field, and I am sure Gary wants the game to be played that way," he said.

Portuguese giants Benfica are claiming they will entertain Newcastle in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, August 3.

But confusion reigns over the validity of Benfica's suggestion, with United due to play Wolves at Molineux that day.

If The Magpies were to travel to the Stadium of Light, it would mean a quick return to Portugal for their new £8.5million signing, midfielder Hugo Viana.