Welsh call-up D-Day looms for Dorman

Nov 3 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

SAINTS midfielder Andy Dorman will find out on Friday if his dream of playing international football for Wales will come true.

For that’s the day when Wales manager John Toshack is expected to announce his squad to face Scotland in this month’s friendly clash in Cardiff.

Dorman, right, has been at the centre of speculation over whether or not he will be included in the squad.

It follows the recent agreement among the Home Nations which 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.

And Dorman falls into that category, having spent almost 18 years in Wales before winning a soccer scholarship in the USA that eventually led him to spells with MLS side New England Revolution and then St Mirren.

Yesterday, a camera crew from BBC Wales were at St Mirren’s training base in Ralston to film Dorman as he was put through his paces.

Dorman, though, is concentrating on helping Gus MacPherson’s side push their way up the SPL table.

He said: “As long as I’m doing well in the SPL, that is the main thing, but I’m sure my form would then be highlighted to the people in the Wales set-up.

“You are always in the public eye if you’re playing well, so that’s what I aim to do.”

Dorman, 27, admits he is grateful that the rule change has breathed new life into his international ambitions.

He added: “It’s a good thing as it will make a lot of people eligible to play for Wales and other countries in the future, including myself.

“I thought the old rule that meant I wasn’t allowed to play for Wales was a bit harsh, especially after living there for such a big part of my life.”