Caulker wants international return – with Scotland

Steven Caulker is targeting a return to international football – with Scotland.

West Londoner Caulker played for England in 2012 while a Tottenham player but that was in a friendly, meaning he remains eligible to turn out for Scotland, where his grandmother was born.

The 27-year-old from Hounslow has previously spoken of his battles with addiction and depression but has been enjoying a good season with Turkish club Alanyaspor.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke is currently without a number of defenders.

And Caulker, who made 48 league starts for QPR during a troubled time at Loftus Road and more recently had a spell at Dundee, has told Scotland coach Steven Reid he wants a call-up.

“Steven has made it clear he’d like to be considered,” Reid told the Daily Record.

“Obviously, we’ll monitor the situation now, watch the games, hopefully get out and see him.

“The key point, though, is that he’s gone out of his way to make that clear.

“He phoned me directly. So there’s an interest there. He’s had a promising start over there, that’s for sure.

“Steven definitely could be an asset. He has Premier League experience and played for some big clubs. So we definitely can’t discount it.

“He’s been in good form for his club side and doing well in the league.

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