Cup double puts David’s heroics firmly on the map
Wotherspoon’s incredible season hailed by Canadian team-mates
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“I never thought that would happen but, after such a successful season, we need to look to prove that we are a great team.
“We are looking forward to it and can’t wait to see who we get. We’ll be excited whoever we get and want success in Europe.”
Wotherspoon is no stranger to continental competition and played a key role in helping knock Norwegian giants Rosenborg out of the competition back in 2013.
The Perth crowd was electric that night and the 31-yearold would love them to be in attendance in August.
“It’s a good thing that the games will be a little later,” he told the PA.
“Previously it was difficult to get much game-time in before playing and we were also having to come back in for pre-season earlier.
“The boys will get that wee bit of extra rest and recovery after celebrating our season. We’ll look forward to the build-up.
“If we can get fans back for the European games, that would be tremendous. We’ve missed them being there and celebrating with us.
“The more fans we can get in the better. With all our achievements and how the last year has been, I’m sure everyone will be itching to get back in to watch the football. I feel the club brings the community and the city together as one.
“It feels like the whole city is wanting to come and watch us, not just football fans. I hope that happens.”
While his team-mates are currently enjoying some well-earned downtime,
Wotherspoon’s focus on football is greater than ever.
He started and performed impressively as Canada defeated Aruba 7-0 in a World Cup qualifying game on Saturday and was back in action against Suriname – whose ranks include former Saint Nigel Hasselbaink – on Tuesday.
A 4-0 win moved the Canucks into a more advanced stage of qualifying, with a two-legged tie against Haiti next up.
Wotherspoon is not set to return to Scotland until the end of next week and that means time for rest and recovery will be severely limited ahead of Saints getting back to pre-season. But he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I want to be able to represent Canada and pull on the red shirt,” Wotherspoon said. “That means a lot to me. To play with all of these special players that are out here is a great thing to be part of right now and very exciting for the country.
“I was delighted to start against Aruba and help push forward in our mission to get to the World Cup. I know I’m part of the team and I am providing for them.
“Everything we work on, we’re in it together. We’re certainly in the zone right now and want to continue the run.
“I will be back Thursday of next week, all going well. I’ll be off for a week and a half for a bit of quiet time before everything starts.
“I won’t have had much time off but my career doesn’t last that long. I’ll continue to work hard as long and as much as my body lets me.”