Why Scotland's World Cup journey will be trip down Memory Lane for Wigan Athletic boss

The Scots will take their place in this summer's showpiece across the pond for the first time since 1998.

A tournament that Caldwell - who went on to captain his country with distinction for many years - readily remembers.

"The last time it happened, I was 16 years old!" he said. "I still remember that summer, me and Steve (brother, and fellow Latics and Scotland old-boy) hanging a flag up outside our house.

"I've got a picture of the whole family in the living room, with the kits on, watching the game against Brazil, we lost 2-1, John Collins scored a penalty.

"Occasions like that, you never forget, and I think it's incredible for this generation that we're back there."

Caldwell admits playing at a World Cup was something he would have relished.

"It just so transpired that my career coincided almost perfectly with Scotland having a really bad period of never qualifying for a major competition," he said with a wry smile.

"I'm not sure if that was anything to do with me...I'll leave that others to decide...maybe it was all the managers' fault, things just went against us…

"But it's incredible we're back, and I'll be watching the games as passionately as any Scottish supporter.

"I do look forward to the World Cup in general. I think international football gets a bad rep, especially at the moment, but World Cups are something else.

"I remember the last World Cup final, France against Argentina...it was one of the best football matches I've ever seen...probably the best I've seen.

"It truly is the pinnacle of our game, and it will be great to see Scotland in there again."

While Caldwell, 44, will be watching the action from afar, big brother Steven, who is 19 months older - will have more of a hands-on brief.

"Steve will be doing his punditry work over in America," said Gary of his brother, who finished his playing career with Toronto FC before becoming assistant manager of the Canada national side.

"He's doing loads of games and that will be great for him. He's been out there for a long time now...one of his boys is at university in Washington.

"He does a podcast with Kevin Kilbane as well as his punditry. The lifestyle out there is great, and I think he'll probably stay there for good."

Does Caldwell junior fancy his chances behind the mic?

"Not for me!" he laughed. "He always tells me how hard it is, and I tell him to just spend one day in my world. He tells me it's hard work, but it looks pretty easy to me..."

Scotland kick off their campaign in the early hours of Sunday, (June 14) against Haiti.

They then face Morocco on Friday, June 19, before a final group game against none other than Brazil on Wednesday, June 24.