ST MIRREN star Andy Dorman last night admitted his pals have turned into ‘text pests’ as he chases his dream of playing international football for Wales.
Today is D-day for Dorman as Wales manager John Toshack will announce his squad for the friendly match against Scotland in Cardiff later this month.
The Saints midfielder has been at the centre of much speculation over whether or not he is going to be included in the squad.
It all 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.
Last night, Dorman revealed he has been trying not to get caught up in the speculation.
But he admitted a flurry of text messages from his pals back home have made that difficult.
He told Express Sports: “I’m trying not to think about it too much but there is a bit more than usual in the press about it down there.
“Since the rules were changed, a few people have spoken to me and I’ve had a few texts from mates about the possibility of a call-up.
“But it doesn’t really mean anything unless it actually happens.
“My parents still live down that way and they have read and heard about it too but they are the same as me – they’re trying not to get carried away by it.”
Midfield maestro Dorman has been in fine form for the Buddies in recent weeks.
And he was watched by Roy Evans, who was on a scouting mission for the Welsh FA, as he hit the net against Motherwell in their 3-3 SPL draw last month.
If his name is on Toshack’s squad list today, he will be able to look forward to the mouth-watering prospect of a home international tie against Scotland at Cardiff City Stadium.
Dorman, 27, admits he is delighted with how things are going for St Mirren this season.
He added: “I have been happy with my form in recent weeks.
“I’d like to score more goals.
“But overall, apart from against Hamilton last weekend, I feel I’ve been doing well.”
Despite the distraction of a possible call-up by Wales, Dorman insists he is focusing on helping his Buddies get back on track tomorrow when they take on Rangers at Ibrox.
He said: “We know how tough a task it is at Ibrox.
“But, hopefully, we will be able to use our result against Hamilton to motivate us.”
