St Johnstone’s David Wotherspoon is going to the World Cup.
The Perthshire talent has been selected by Canada head coach John Herdman for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Wotherspoon, who grew up in Aberargie before moving to Bridge of Earn, qualifies to play for Canada through his mum Sheila who was born in Winnipeg.
He has battled back terrifically from a cruciate knee injury sustained last November to book his ticket to the global footballing showpiece.
Canada open up their World Cup campaign against Belgium on November 23 before facing Croatia on November 27 and then Morocco on December 1.
Wotherspoon first got involved with the Canadian national team in 2018 when joining up with the squad at a training camp in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain.
He has moved on to make a number of competitive appearances, including in World Cup qualifiers.
Head coach Herdman gave up his time last year to speak with the Perthshire Advertiser about Wotherspoon.
“David is just a wonderful human being,” Herdman had said.
“He had a great character right from the onset and is a humble guy.
“His tactical IQ is very high and that is something we identified in the first camp.
“I feel when he is around better players he raises his game to another level.
“Players like David are really able to impose themselves on a game because they understand space and time.
“What stood out was his ability to fit into our style of play. We changed the tactical identity of the Canadian team and he was somebody we could see to really drive our build-up play.
“He wants to be on the ball and can manage what we ask him to do.”
Herdman had added: “To have maintained a career for so long shows his character – he is a loyal guy and his values are very strong. Again, the bit I enjoy is how he can raise his game with better players.”
