Canadians’ World Cup bid inspires County duo

The thrill of seeing Canada at the World Cup has inspired Ross County pair Victor Loturi and William Akio to break into their national team setup.

Canada are making a long-awaited appearance at this year’s finals in Qatar, and kick off their campaign against Belgium tonight.

It is the nation’s first World Cup since they reached the 1986 finals in Mexico, their only other qualification.

Brothers Loturi and Akio both joined the Staggies during the summer.

Midfielder Loturi signed on a three-year deal from Cavalry FC, where he previously played alongside defender Joel Waterman, who is among Canada’s 26man squad.

He is also friends with defender Sam Adekugbe, having played alongside his brother Elijah at his former club.

Loturi, who has recently broken into Malky Mackay’s starting line-up at County, says the personal connection gives him belief he can force his way into John Herdman’s squad.

He said: “It’s crazy – two of our friends are at the World Cup.

“We are supporting them and hoping they do well.

“Seeing it happening for those guys especially shows that we can actually do it. We have just got to keep working.

“It’s actually kind of mad to think about it because three or four years ago we weren’t even playing at a professional level, but now we are so much closer to it which makes it so much more believable.”

Also among Canada’s World Cup pool is St Johnstone midfielder David Wotherspoon, one of several current Premiership players at the finals.

That gives Loturi, 21, all the more incentive to impress in the Scottish top flight.

He added: “I used to watch David Wotherspoon two or three years ago, I remember when he was called up to the squads.

“Scott Arfield was another one, so there are people in this league that are going.

“Australia also have a few players who we have played against, which shows it’s possible.”

Although forward Akio has already gained international recognition with South Sudan, where his parents are from, he remains eligible to represent Canada.

Having played his entire senior career in Canada, prior to leaving Valour FC for the Staggies in the summer, Akio insists a call-up would come as a proud moment.

The 24-year-old added: “I have two caps in friendly matches with South Sudan but I’m not cap-tied, so I could still play for Canada.

“It would obviously be great to play for Canada.”