GARY CALDWELL could be handed a new long-term deal at Celtic.

The Scotland international's current contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

With just 10 months to go before he becomes a free agent, Caldwell would be free to open talks with interested clubs at the end of the season and could sign a pre-contract agreement.

However, Gordon Strachan is a big fan of the stopper and is hoping the club tie him up on a four-year deal.

Caldwell has formed an impressive partnership at the heart of the Celtic defence with captain Stephen McManus and the pair are now the first-choice combination for Scotland manager George Burley.

The Hoops realise they can't afford to lose the player on a Bosman and are believed to be keen to keep the 26-year-old on board.

Despite the signing of Glenn Loovens in a £2.5m deal from Cardiff City, Strachan has decided against playing the Dutchman ahead of either Caldwell or McManus up until now.

Caldwell was outstanding for Celtic towards the end of last season and has made a bright start to the new campaign.

While he seems certain of a long-term future at the Hoops, there are still fears over whether Stevie Smith will have the same at Rangers.

The defender - who has only played two matches in the last 20 months - headed to London yesterday to see a specialist over an ankle injury.

Smith's career was put on hold with a recurring groin problem that required surgery. There were fears at that stage over whether he would make a top team return as he continued to break down.

But as he neared fitness and prepared for the new campaign, an ankle injury during pre-season training has put his Ibrox career on hold again.

Walter Smith is seriously short of cover in the left-back area and was hoping to have Smith back in contention.