Hibernian boss says naming Derek Riordan captain will tame him
Hibernian manager Colin Calderwood claims that handing the responsibility of the captain’s armband to Derek Riordan will help tame the player’s wild ways and help him earn a Scotland recall.
The 27-year-old is notorious for his on-and off-the-field exploits, which once saw him banned from every nightclub in Edinburgh.
While he is a talented player, he has only made three appearances for his country, something which Calderwood feels is not reflective of the player’s ability.
With the new manager yet to name a permanent captain, he has confirmed that Riordan will again lead out Hibs against Heart of Midlothian on Sunday, 7 November after the striker captained the side for the 1-0 Scottish Premier League loss away to Dundee United
in their last game.
When asked by reporters if Riordan’s reputation had a bearing on his decision to give him the armband, in the hope that the responsibility would help him behave, Calderwood said, "It was along those lines — added to the fact you can see he is a goalscorer and
he plays in the majority of games.
"It can develop him as a player in terms of what he can give to the other people in the team, that extra responsibility. And it is a responsibility, because he is the leader of the team on the pitch. There are things I want him to think about in terms of improving
himself. And it was for that reason.
'Impressed by Riordan's ability'
"But first and foremost it was because he plays games, he is a major player for the club and I have been impressed by his ability level."
Calderwood added that Riordan should be playing much more regularly for his country, but conceded that it was down to the player to prove to national team coach Craig Levein that he was worthy of selection.
"It's a challenge for him to get back in (the Scotland squad), but you have to end up performing. What I will judge him on is what happens in the future.
"But that's something I would hope a lot of players at the club aspire to — to get to the highest level, play international football and be successful."
Tags: