World Cup squads have already started to be announced.
And if St Johnstone duo David Wotherspoon and Ryan McGowan get selected for finals duty with Canada and Australia, respectively, the rest of their team-mates will be bursting with pride, according to goalkeeper Remi Matthews.
“This is such a great squad to be part of,” said the Englishman.
“We want to see the lads do as well as they can.
“If any of them make the World Cup then it’s brilliant for us as well. Forget as players, we’re friends, at the end of the day.
“To see one of your pals, like Ryan or David, go to the World Cup is an experience that no one can ever take away from you.
“If I could go, I’d love to watch!”
McGowan has already played for the Socceroos at a World Cup but the stakes are higher for Wotherspoon, with Qatar likely to be a ‘now or never’ opportunity.
Having returned to the Perth first team set-up in recent weeks, contributing to back to back league victories off the bench, the three-time McDiarmid Park cup winner may have timed his comeback to perfection.
“Seeing David back in the squad gives everyone else a confidence boost because we know what he can bring to the team,” said Matthews.
“He’s one of the nicest lads I’ve ever come across.
“For him to go to the World Cup would be massive for him, massive for us and for the club.
“Good guys deserve good things and I hope he gets the call-up he deserves.
“It’s getting closer and closer now so hopefully he stays fit.”
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