STEVEN Caldwell was just 23 when he became one of Mick McCarthy's recruits at Sunderland in June 2004.

McCarthy had been at the helm at the Stadium of Light for just over a year when he snapped up the Scotland international from neighbours Newcastle, garnering his troops following promotion to the Premiership via the play-offs.

Both parties have moved on less than three years down the line, with McCarthy now in charge of Wolves and Caldwell bidding to push Burnley back up the Championship table after a late transfer deadline day move from the Black Cats last month.

And as the central defender prepares to ensure his former manager's miserable Molineux form continues tomorrow, his new boss, Steve Cotterill, revealed he has developed into a natural leader.

Caldwell was handed the captain's armband on his home debut in the 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.

His constant guidance, encouragement and organisation of his fellow defenders throughout the game was particularly evident.

And while he is arguably one of the more reserved characters in the dressing room, Cotterill believes a transformation occurs when Caldwell trots out of the tunnel on matchday.

"He's quite quiet to be honest, but that's perhaps how you want him to be off the pitch," the Burnley boss said.

"He is pretty softly spoken, but when he is on the pitch he turns into a leader.

"I've been delighted with Steve. The good thing about it is he potentially thinks he might even get better.

"So that's a real bonus for us."