Quick trip to Qatar has fired Ethan’s ambition
Ethan Erhahon has always had an ambition to play for Scotland. Now it’s even stronger after a trip to the World Cup.
The St Mirren midfielder went to Qatar during a trip to visit his father in Dubai, and revealed: “I went to Wales’ game against the United States.
“I thought it was a lot better than it looked on TV.
“My dad, Tevin, and little brother, Lucas, live in Dubai, so I go and see them as much as I can.
“I was always going to the Middle East during this break. It’s a 45-minute flight to Doha, and my dad had mentioned there are 40 shuttle flights every day.
“I was able to get my hands on tickets, and went with my dad, my brother and step-mum.”
The 21-year-old has had an outstanding season with the Buddies and, if his fine form continues, the calls for him to be called up by Scotland will begin to get louder.
Representing his country at a World Cup would be the ultimate dream.
Erhahon said: “I did think that when I was there. It was such an amazing atmosphere, and I was trying to imagine playing in it. I’d love that to be me.
“I was wondering what the guys on the pitch were thinking when I was up in the stands watching.
“It would be amazing to play at a World Cup one day.
“The midfield Scotland has just now is amazing, but representing your country is something everyone wants to do. I’ll keep playing my game and see where it takes me.”
It might well take him away from Paisley. Erhahon is out of contract at the end of this season, and St Mirren boss, Stephen Robinson, recently said the rising star wouldn’t look out of place at Rangers or Celtic.
The Glasgow-born player said: “I heard that, and to get that praise from anyone, mentioning two massive clubs in the UK, is something I take in my stride Hopefully I get there one day.
“I’ve been in and out over the past few years, but this year I’ve started every game. It’s the best form I’ve been in.
“I’ve played over 100 games, and I’m only 21. People maybe forget that. Perhaps I’m not seen as young anymore because of all the games I’ve played.”
Anton Ferdinand, who had a spell at St Mirren, is now representing Erhahon, who trusts the former defender in plotting his future.
Erhahon doesn’t rule out signing a new contract with Saints, but admits he would relish trying his luck in English football at some point, after a loan spell at Barnsley two years ago gave him a taste of it.
He went on: “There were big units down there! It was a good experience. I was there for four months before Covid hit, then came back.
“It wasn’t too dissimilar to Scottish football – a physical game, but with a few better-quality players in some places
“I thought then that if I wasn’t going to go back right away, I’d want to go back in a couple of years if the opportunity ever arose again.
“But you don’t want to look too far ahead, or get carried away. You just have to focus on the now.
“If St Mirren do offer me a deal, I’ll sit down and read over it and just take it from there.
“There are loads of players that you’ve seen go down to massive clubs in England, and maybe get lost.
“I’m looking to see what happens coming up. But it would have to be the right move.”