St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson has backed Andy Dorman to recover quickly from the blow of failing to make the Wales squad for next Saturday's friendly against Scotland.

Chester-born Dorman's international future has been the subject of speculation in Scotland after he became eligible for Wales last month under the new five-year school rule.

The St Mirren boss said: "He is a good professional. He plays the game the right way and I believe he will just get on with it and see the next few months as trying to impress that little bit more whenever he is watched by the Welsh FA."

He added: "He has shown in this period what a level-headed boy he is because there has been a lot of speculation over the last four or five months, and he has just got on with it."

The 27-year-old has been one of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League's top performers since joining Saints from New England Revolution in January 2008.

Wales assistant manager Roy Evans watched the midfielder score his 19th goal for the club during the recent 3-3 draw with Motherwell, but he has not done enough to force his way into John Toshack's squad.