Steven Anderson has his fingers firmly crossed for former team-mate David Wotherspoon’s World Cup dream.
The Perth midfielder will find out this Sunday if he has earned selection to Canada manager John Herdman’s squad for the global showpiece.
Wotherspoon has worked his way back from a horrible knee injury with determination and patience to stake a strong claim for a spot on the plane bound for Qatar.
And 2014 cup-winning hero Anderson would love to see the Bridge of Earn local’s name shining up in lights this weekend.
“Everyone is different how they react to injuries and heal,” said Anderson.
“He always had something to strive for. Sunday’s game against Rangers was highlighted more because it was on the television. Spoony did well in that one.
“Fingers crossed he gets his call-up because going to the World Cup would be an unbelievable achievement.
“He can play in multiple positions. He has done really well for the club and has been a good asset over the years.
“He is maybe not blessed with pace but he has that body movement with the chop and is clever playing one-twos. You don’t always need to have pace to be effective in a game.
“He is that good on the ball he can play centre midfield too. Saints fans appreciate him and so do the club.”
Anderson knows fine well the quality Wotherspoon also possesses from dead-ball situations.
Swinging in the corner for the 2014 cup final opener is, of course, a special memory.
“He’s a local boy but as long as you are giving 100 per cent and doing the best you can, then the fans will take to you,” Anderson added.
“He was always going to be a favourite because of what he brought to the team.
“We always said he was Tommy Wright’s favourite. Tommy will even agree on that.
“He worked hard in training but we all kept our heads down. He gives 100 per cent but has ability to back it up.
“I always said to Spoony to never under-hit a corner. Always over-hit it. And I’ll always be there."
