St Johnstone star David Wotherspoon is NOT in Canada World Cup friendly squad but there is no cause for Qatar panic

St Johnstone star David Wotherspoon has not been included in the Canada squad for a pre-World Cup friendly against Bahrain a week on Friday.

But there’s no cause for panic as far as the 32-year-old’s chances of making the one that really matters is concerned.

As Saints boss Callum Davidson explained, he and Canada head coach John Herdman have spoken recently about Wotherspoon’s fitness and form.

He has made three substitute appearances after an 11-month lay-off and will expect to get further game-time against Rangers on Sunday and, possibly, St Mirren the following Wednesday.

The 21 players selected for the Bahrain match predominantly feature players from the MLS, whose season has already stopped. 

Your #CANMNT Squad v. Bahrain 🍁#WeCAN

— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 2, 2022

The final 26-man squad for Qatar has to be named by November 13 and Canada have another friendly after that on Thursday, November 17.

“I’ve spoken to the Canadian manager,” said Davidson.

“We’re going to have an ongoing dialogue.

“We want to give him the best opportunity to go to the World Cup.

“He’s nearly back to full fitness and a competitive 90 minutes is the last thing.”