Graham Dorrans is still grounded

Wednesday 26th May 2010, 9:35AM BST.

Graham Dorrans is still grounded

Albion midfielder Graham Dorrans has pledged that Premier League fame will not change him despite his meteoric rise to football stardom.

The Scotland international swept the boards in the Baggies’ end-of-season awards, after a stunning first full season in England helped the club return to the top flight.

But the 23-year-old, who made a recent visit north of the border to see his family, insists they will keep his feet on the ground.

He said: “I’ve become a bit more well known up in Scotland, because I’ve done well down here. There’s been speculation about big clubs in England being interested in me.

“But I’ll never change, I’m the same person I’ve always been and that’s down to my family.

“I was back home last week and nothing’s changed. My mum and dad and the rest of the family keep my feet on the ground.

“I’m still friendly with all the same mates I’ve known for years. It’s good to hang around with them and visit my mum when I go back ‘up the road.’

“I’m still the same guy who grew up in Barlanark and that will never change. I’m a quiet person, anyone will tell you that.

“I certainly won’t change the way I am or the way I do things – my family wouldn’t allow that to happen.”

Dorrans still enjoys watching older brother Andrew play amateur football in Scotland.

He said: “I love going back up the road and getting back to reality. It’s great going to watch my mates play football.

“I went to see Livi last week and also to see Andrew play for Blantyre Vics.

“I don’t think anyone recognised me apart from the people I knew at the game.”

But Dorrans is already looking forward to facing the Premier League’s top stars.

He said: “That’s where the best players in the world are and it’s where I want to be. I want to test myself against the likes of Gerrard, Lampard and Rooney.

“It will be amazing to play against Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal – clubs I’ve watched winning the title in previous years. Hopefully we can go to these places and do ourselves justice.

“Personally, I’m confident I’m good enough to play at that level and against those types of teams.”



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