Holloway: Caulker in a 'fantastic' place

Matt Morley 6 years ago 330
Steven Caulker is in a 'fantastic' place right now. AFP

Queens Park Rangers manager Ian Holloway says that he can't wait to work with defender Steven Caulker again after the player returned to training.

The 25-year-old has endured some problems of late and gave an interview in June to 'The Guardian' in which he revealed a series of mental health problems. The defender revealed that he had endured a drink problem and that he had considered suicide on more than one occasion.

However, Holloway says that he is in a 'fantastic' place right now and that he can't wait to get back to work with the former Cariff and Spurs defender.

Speaking at a press conference on Monaday ahead of the new Championship season, Holloway said: "I am delighted to have him back,

Caulker has one England cap and Holloway is confident that the player can return to that level of performance: "That is a potential England centre-half again," he boasted.

The former Blackpool boss was full of praise for the defender. "His article in the newspaper was as open as I've ever seen any footballer," he explained.

"Part of me was really sad about that, part of me was pleased and proud of him to actually admit that and now he's in a fantastic place. He wants to come back and he wants to work and I can't believe I'm the lucky person who's going to work with him.

"The lads feel the same way. For me, now, it's about helping him, with how up front and honest he's been, to keep playing, keep working and keep improving. I'm delighted to have him."

Mentioned in the news story

S. Caulker
Queens Park Rangers
Championship