FORGET WORLD CUP, AVOIDING THE DOLE IS PATON’S PRIORITY

PAUL PATON could be at the World Cup in Russia next summer. But the St Johnstone midfielder’s primary concern is making sure he’s not attending the Jobcentre at the end of the season. Called up by Michael O’Neill for the play-off with Switzerland next month, the 30-year-old harbours hopes of being part of the first Northern Ireland side to reach the finals since 1986. However, with his Saints contract expiring in May, excelling on the home front remains his priority. ‘If I’m doing well and get the opportunity to go to the World Cup, that would be great — but I’m more realistic,’ said Paton, who impressed in Tuesday’s 0-0 home draw with Ross County. ‘I’m out of contract at the end of the season and can’t be thinking of going to a World Cup when I might not even have a job. So that’s my priority — either get a new contract here or start looking elsewhere. ‘I’m keeping my feet on the ground because if I’m not playing for my club, I won’t be playing for Northern Ireland. I need to start games for St Johnstone and stay injury-free. ‘I hadn’t begun the previous two games, which disappointed me because I felt I was having a good season. Hopefully, I showed enough to play on Saturday at Partick Thistle.’ Paton modestly admits to being just a bit-part player for his country. In his quieter moments, though, he dreams of being reunited with Lionel Messi in Russia next summer. In 2001, when Paton was a Rangers trainee, his team lost 2-0 to a Barcelona Under-15s side featuring Messi, Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas in the final of a youth tournament in Holland. ‘I played against Messi when I was younger,’ smiled Paton. ‘I don’t think I’ll be playing against him any time soon but we’ll see what happens against Switzerland. It’s a massive couple of games. ‘I know I’m not a big player for Northern Ireland. I’ve got five caps. But that’s five more than a lot of people would’ve thought a few years ago. And if it’s the only five I get, I’ll look back on them and be proud.’ The only negative for Paton against County was squandering a glorious chance to win the game. He should have halted Saints’ 366-minute goal drought but he could only send his header on goal straight at County goalkeeper Scott Fox. ‘It was a good ball over from Brian Easton,’ said Paton. ‘I could say I lost it in the floodlights but that would be a lie,. ‘I managed to keep it low and hard but not far into the corner. We just need someone to nick us a goal.’