West Bromwich Albion's Graham Dorrans in hope of Scotland place

Sep 5 2009 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail

EVERY major international tournament throws up a wildcard or two in terms of selection – players emerging late into the squad for a tournament.

From England’s point of view it was David Platt and Paul Gascoigne in World Cup 1990, Steve Stone in Euro 96 and Theo Walcott in the 2006 World Cup.

So when Albion midfielder Graham Dorrans settles down to watch Scotland take on Macedonia today and then the Netherlands on Wednesday, he’ll be hoping George Burley’s men can do enough to reach the play-offs.

Scotland are third, on equal points with Macedonia and one point ahead of Norway.

With the head-to-head rule applying when points are equal, Scotland could do with rattling in a few against Macedonia today and hoping Norway lose to Iceland.

On that basis, a draw between Norway and Macedonia on Wednesday would be enough to ensure Scotland’s qualification for the play-offs.

Dorrans knows a World Cup place could be within his grasp if he continues his progress.

He has already fallen on to George Burley’s radar after being picked for a B international in May – which he was forced to withdraw from due to injury – and believes it could open up future opportunities.

Dorrans has been in outstanding form this season, scoring twice and looking at ease in the Championship, following several games in the top flight last season when his quality first began to shine through.

“When I got the B call-up Tony Mowbray pulled me to one side and said he had been speaking to George Burley,” said Dorrans.

“I’m sure he and Mark Venus had a few words last season and maybe that’s why I got called up.