Dorman's the million pound man

Apr 24 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

BUDDIES boss Gus MacPherson last night slapped a £1million price tag on Andy Dorman – and tipped the midfield magician to play a key role in tomorrow’s Scottish Cup semi-final clash against Rangers.

MacPherson is eager to keep Dorman at St Mirren Park, although both Rangers and Old Firm rivals Celtic are reportedly interested in signing his star man.

The Saints gaffer yesterday confirmed what Express Sports revealed earlier this week – that no firm offers have been made for the former New England Revolution ace.

And he insisted potential suitors will have to put their money where their mouth is and place a cool £1MILLION on the table if they are serious about signing the 26-year-old playmaker.

MacPherson said: “There is no doubt there will be an attraction to a midfield player who has already scored 11 goals this season but it’s pure speculation.

“It seems to be the case that, if someone says Rangers are interested in Andy Dorman, then Celtic are interested too but there has been no contact from any club.”

Rangers are thought to be weighing up a £700,000 move for Dorman but Saints bosses believe that price would be a snip for a player who has earned a reputation as one of the best midfielders in Scottish football.

Asked if he thinks Dorman is worth £1million, MacPherson said: “If you put him in with players who have moved on in recent seasons, he’s certainly got to be about that figure.

“It’s what the club would be looking for – if that’s what the board chooses to do.

“It’s not my decision, that would be down to the people above us, namely the directors.

“If an offer came in, we would have to seriously look at it but it’s hypothetical because all this interest has been through the newspapers.

“We’ll only treat the speculation seriously when contact is made from a representative to the club.”

MacPherson is confident Dorman can rise to the occasion at Hampden tomorrow as St Mirren aim to shock Rangers and book their first Scottish Cup Final appearance in 22 years.

He said: “Since November, when Andy scored against Falkirk, he’s never looked back and has really shown us what he’s capable of.

“In the last few months, he’s shown what a quality midfielder he is because he times his run ever so well.

“There are not a lot of players like Andy about who are able to run in behind strikers and take a chance in front of goal.”