Welsh call-up will be good for Dorman and St Mirren

Oct 16 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

ST MIRREN fans reckon the Buddies will benefit if Andy Dorman’s dreams of playing international football for Wales come true.

A dramatic change in the international agreement between the Home Nations means that Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales can now select players who were not born within their borders but who have at least five years of schooling in that country.

Dorman, who played for Wales at schoolboy level, is now in line for a call-up by the Dragons.

And St Mirren fans have told Buddie Banter that can only be a good thing for the Paisley club.

Daniel Robertson, of Seedhill, Paisley, reckons there is even more to come from the talented playmaker.

He said: “It’s a win-win situation for us and Dorman if he does get capped for Wales.

“He’ll get to play against some of the world’s best teams and against the world’s best players and really have the chance to test himself.

“When Dorman comes back to St Mirren, I’m sure he’ll be a better player having had that experience.

“That can only be good news for us.

“Okay, he’s not had the best of seasons so far, but watch him go now.

“The news of the changes in the rules that make him eligible will no doubt give him an extra spring in his step.”

Dorman arrived at St Mirren in January 2008 after enjoying a successful spell in America with New England Revolution.

Since then, he’s gone on to become a firm favourite with the black and white army.

Now there is every possibility that Dorman could line up against Scotland when the two teams meet in a friendly match in Cardiff next month.

Regular contributor Sheila Connolly, of Paisley, e-mailed to say: “It’s great news that Andy Dorman could be about to be capped at international level.

“He’s a quality player and deserves recognition.”

‘Sensualsaint’ is also a fan of Dorman’s ability and is backing the player to make the step up to international level.

He said: “When you have got the quality that Dorman has in the middle of the park, then he’s bound to get noticed.

“This year, there was talk about him going to one of the Old Firm teams.

“And, while it didn’t materialise, it was plain that he was attracting attention.

“I predict that Dorman will be in the next Welsh squad and that could mean him running out against Scotland in November’s friendly.

“Gus MacPherson deserves praise for convincing the player to give up the MLS in America and come to us.

“Let’s face it, who’d heard of Andy Dorman before he came to St Mirren?”

While Dorman definitely has his fans at St Mirren Park, some supporters believe the club should cash in on him during the January transfer window.

‘Bruce Lee’ said: “Dorman has less than a year left on his contract and will be free by January to sign a pre-contract agreement with someone else.

“We should cash in on him and use the money in January.

“Then we should buy a right good left-back and another centre-half.”

‘Inspector Grim’ has put a valuation of £400,000 on Dorman’s head.

He added: “That figure seems about right.

“But I still think there is a good chance of him staying with us next season.”

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