West Brom: Graham Dorrans aims to put Scotland misery behind him
Feb 27 2010 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail
GRAHAM Dorrans hopes to rid himself of one of his lowest footballing moments when he links up with the Scotland team next week.
Dorrans’ last appearance for Scotland came in a dreadful 3-0 defeat to Wales, which prompted the SFA to end George Burley’s reign as manager.
Craig Levein is the new boss – he takes charge of his first game on wednesday against the Czech Republic – but those memories still linger for the Albion midfielder.
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He earned only his second full cap for Scotland in that game, having made his debut in a defeat to Japan just before.
Dorrans remains troubled by that particular game across the border.
“I was as disappointed and down as every other player after the Wales game, it was awful really,” said Dorrans.
“They had a young team out and just destroyed us.
“There were 20 of us feeling the same way. When you have a bad game at club level you have another chance to rectify it the following week but it’s just unfortunate we’ve not had another chance until this Czech game.
“It’s great to represent your country and I thought we played well in the Japan game.
“There were a few other debutants in that game who quite enjoyed it.
“They were a technically good side but the Wales game was just embarrassing. We made a bad start and were three goals down at half-time.
“There was no way back from there. Wales had a good young side but we let everyone down.
“It’s hard in your first couple of games but everyone was disappointed. It wasn’t nice in the dressing-room afterwards.”
Dorrans has been arguably Albion’s best performer of the season – some may question use of the word ‘arguably’ in that sentence – and has chipped in with his fair share of goals.
Albion will be hoping to bounce back today against Derby following two back-to-back defeats.
Dorrans admits he has grown up this season.
“I’m enjoying it,” he continued.
“When I first came down I had to take a bit of time to train away and bed in. I needed to get to know everybody too. I got held back by Tony Mowbray but it was the right decision. I wasn’t ready and I still had to do a lot of work on my game.
“I got in the team for the final couple of months of last season but it was always my aim to kick on in this second year, which I’ve done.
“I think I’m top scorer, with six penalties in there too.
‘‘I don’t care where the goals come from, if it’s 12 yards, two yards or 30 yards, as long as they go in. But we need to bounce back.”
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