Dorrans says pals are envious

EX-DUNDEE, Rangers and Scotland midfielder Graham Dorrans (above) says his pals are green with envy as he enjoys personal freedoms and performs in front of packed stadiums in Australia.

Dorrans, 33, quit Dens for life Down Under last November, joining Western Sydney Wanderers and linking up with his ex-Gers teammate Kenny Miller, who is on the coaching staff.

The playmaker has shone in his two appearances since the A-League restarted, helping the Wanderers to a 2-1 victory over Newcastle Jets in his last outings.

However, Dorrans will perform in front of the biggest crowd he has experienced in Oz this weekend, with more than 20,000 supporters expected at Stadium Australia or their derby clash with Sydney FC.

Fans are allowed in grounds in Australia, with the island nation far more successful in combatting the Covid-19 outbreak than many other countries, including the United Kingdom.

He said: “Back home, they’re really struggling at the minute, a little bit more than here.

“I know there has been a small outbreak (in Sydney) but I don’t think it’s anything compared to what it’s like back home.

“In Scotland everything closed down, all shopping centres, restaurants – families are stuck in the house, which is difficult.

“I’ve had messages and phone calls from my mates, they’re very jealous that we can get out and about and fans can get into the games – they all follow football and have been disappointed the whole season.

“Fans make football and it’s not easy when they’re not at the games.

“When you’re pushing for a goal in the last 10 minutes or you’re defending for your life in the last 10 minutes, you want to have the fans behind you either way.

“It gives you an extra five, 10% maybe if they’re on your side.”