Dorman: My Buddies will benefit from cap call

Nov 20 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

ST MIRREN star Andy Dorman reckons the Buddies will benefit from his international ambitions.

The 27-year-old playmaker was in the Wales squad that defeated Scotland 3-0 in an international friendly match in Cardiff last Saturday.

Dorman was left warming the substitutes’ bench in the Welsh capital, meaning he is sure to be fresh for tomorrow’s SPL clash between St Mirren and Hibernian.

But the midfielder is hoping he can go on to become a key player for John Toshack’s men – and is confident Saints will reap the rewards from his involvement at such a high level of football.

Dorman told Express Sports: “It was brilliant being a part of the international set-up and to see how it differs from club football.

“Being around such top quality players was great and can only help to improve my own game.”

Dorman is able to play for Wales thanks to a new agreement between the Home Nations.

That agreement means 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.

Dorman’s impressive performances in a black and white jersey were recognised by the Welsh FA when he was handed a late call-up to the squad for the Scotland match.

And the midfielder had something else to celebrate yesterday when he picked up the Player of the Round award for his performance against Motherwell in the quarter-final of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

Saints won that game 3-0 and in goals for the Buddies was Paul Gallacher, who has also been in terrific form this season.

Gallacher made it into the Scotland squad for the game in Cardiff, where he was also an unused sub.

And Dorman has resisted the temptation to give his Saints team-mate pelters following Wales’ victory over the Scots.

“There wasn’t any boasting from me when we met up,” said Dorman. “After all, it was only a friendly.

“It’s hard because I was sitting on the bench for the whole game and that was a little disappointing.

“Although Wales got a great result, I just decided to keep my mouth shut!”