Murray Davidson takes the first step of a surreal journey from Brechin to Brazil when he joins up with the Scotland squad.
The St Johnstone midfielder had to stay behind when the Scots flew out to La Manga for a week's training camp ahead of their game against the South Americans at the Emirates Stadium next Sunday in order to prepare for Tuesday night's Scottish Cup quarter-final replay against Brechin, which the Saints won 1-0 thanks to Collin Samuel's first-half strike.
"Ever since the squad has been announced I have been excited and it has been a massive boost," he said. "I have had two games with St Johnstone to concentrate on which are over so I meet up with the squad today (Wednesday) and I look forward to it."
He added: "Even getting called in to the squad for the game against the Faroe Islands was a great experience.
"Now it's a bit different with Brazil but it's something to look forward to and if I managed to get any of the game it would be a bonus."
Brechin had held Saints to a 2-2 draw in the first game at Glebe Park but Samuel's angled-drive in 37 minutes effectively ended hopes of a replay shock.
Saints have lost four semi-finals in four years, each to the eventual winners but Davidson is hoping that by avoiding Celtic this time, the Perth club's chances of cup success have increased.
"Fingers crossed," he told Sky Sports. "We have been taken it a game at a time, Tynecastle, then Partick Thistle here, then Brechin and they have all been tough games.
"Usually we do get one of the Old Firm clubs in the semi-finals but we have avoided them.
"However, Dundee United or Motherwell will be tough but we have that too look forward to."
Source: PA
