Caldwell says McGeady will be welcomed back by his team-mates

Gary Caldwell does not expect Aiden McGeady to leave Celtic in January and believes the winger's return to the side will be a boost for the club.

McGeady, 23, was fined two weeks' wages and suspended for a fortnight after a fall-out with manager Gordon Strachan.

Defender Caldwell backed his manager, adding: "It's his job to make big decisions. He made the call over Aiden and the club stood firm with him.

"But it'll be good to have Aiden back. I don't think he'll go in January."

McGeady was censured following a disagreement with Strachan in the wake of the 1-1 draw with Hearts on 13 December and speculation has since linked the Republic of Ireland winger with clubs in England and further afield.

But he will be available for selection for Celtic's home game against Dundee United on 3 January.

During McGeady's absence, Celtic recorded away victories over Falkirk and Rangers to move seven points clear at the top of the table.

Aiden will come back and get in with the lads at training - there is no divide within the dressing-room Gary Caldwell

"I don't know if Aiden will have regrets about what has happened - you would have to ask him," said Caldwell, who backed Strachan's stance.

"He is the manager and his decision is final. In any walk of life, that's how it works - and that's how we work as footballers as well.

"Aiden will come back and get in with the lads at training again. He will become part of that unit and there is no divide within the dressing-room."

Caldwell said everyone at the club was determined to focus on defending their Scottish Premier League title and move on from the recent controversy.

"The situation has been handled by the club and is now in the past," he said.

"We will all move on, Aiden will move on and will have a good couple of years.

"He will continue to be a good player for Celtic."

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