INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY - Wales v Scotland
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium Date: 14 November Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio Wales, score updates on BBC Radio 5 live and online. Live on Sky Sports 1

St Mirren midfielder Andy Dorman is now eligible to play for Wales

By Peter Shuttleworth

As David Beckham landed in Hollywood to add some A-list glitz and glamour to the USA's Major Soccer League, Andy Dorman was keeping it real.

While Becks was busy establishing his global legacy in sport's most lucrative marketplace, Dorman simply wanted to establish himself as a serious footballer.

So he prepared to turn his back on the American Dream and go the other way across the Atlantic from the New England Revolution.

Unknown Dorman's unveiling as a St Mirren player in January 2008 could not have been in greater contrast than DB7's arrival in Los Angeles a year earlier when the galaxy's most famous footballer signed in a ticker-tape parade for the, er, Galaxy.

But while Beckham was in the twilight of a glittering career, Dorman knew the MLS was not the place for a wannabe star to make his name so he looked towards Europe - and signed for the first club that showed an interest.

The collegiate system of becoming a professional sportsman has made me a more rounded person as living on my own in America made me grow up very, very quickly St Mirren midfielder Andy Dorman

"When I came back to Europe for a new challenge I was an unknown and had to take the first opportunity and make sure I succeeded - and that team was St Mirren," Dorman explained.

Dorman, though, is no stranger to taking career gambles and hitting the jackpot.

So should Wales boss John Toshack take a little risk on giving the newly-eligible 27-year-old his first Wales cap in their friendly against Scotland on 14 November, Dorman would probably do what he has always done - and that is impress.

Dorman was born in Chester to English parents but grew up in the same North Wales village as another England superstar, Michael Owen.

His lack of Welsh ancestry, though, ensured his international dreams with the country he calls his own could not progress further than a Wales under-18 schoolboy cap - until now.

Fifa have recently endorsed new legislation that changes the criteria around which country British players can represent.

Players with five years of compulsory education in the specified home nation are now eligible to represent that country.

Dorman hopes to show Welsh football he is its best kept secret should he get a chance to shine against the Scots - ironically a nation who are more aware of his talents than Wales.

He has not played a game in his "home" country for almost a decade, since swapping his Hawarden home for Boston University digs, as he took the American collegiate route into professional sport rather than the more traditional British path.

606: DEBATE Should John Toshack give Andy Dorman a Wales chance?

"I was scouted by American universities playing for Wales schoolboys," recalled Dorman.

"And my PE teacher had coached at Boston University so had links and recommended me.

"It was a big call to leave my family and friends and follow my dream by doing it the American way. But my parents made it simple and said treat it as a football holiday and if you don't enjoy it, just come home.

"It wasn't easy as moving away to a new country, on my own was tough but it grew on me.

"I majored in human geography but had to average over a C grade to be eligible for the university soccer team which, looking back, was great as it ensures I have a good education and degree to fall back on."

Dorman was 58th overall draft pick by local MLS side New England Revolution in 2004 after a 100-man trial and was signed up to a four-year deal.

His late lung-bursting runs from midfield for Revolution did not just lead to goals, but also won him prizes as Dorman scooped the fans' Player of the Year award following his breakthrough season of 2006 and the 2007 US Open Cup.

"I worked under former Liverpool player Steve Nicol," said Dorman. "He was our boss and demanded top standards and taught me about being a professional sportsman."

But as Beckham chose to chase the Yankee Dollar, Dorman wanted to show a wider audience that he was more than just a big fish across the Pond.

Andy Dorman was on the SPL's Player of the Season shorlist

He became the surprise package of last season's SPL and his 12 goals from midfield - with a few goal-of-the-season contenders - earned him a place on the SPL Player of the Year shortlist and a few admiring glances from the Old Firm giants of Rangers and Celtic.

Dorman has highlighted there is more than one way to become a professional footballer so you do not have to clean boots to become a pro.

And he said: "The collegiate system of becoming a professional sportsman has made me a more rounded person as living on my own in America made me grow up very, very quickly.

"It ensured I got a degree so football is not the be all and end all for me. It was a different way of doing it but it meant I didn't begin playing professional football until I was 22 or 23."

And as Dorman looks set to win his first Wales cap at the grand old age of 27, in footballing terms it is certainly a case of better late than never for the man who has done it his way.

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