PUT to one side the lack of Gianni Infantino 'razzmatazz' – also more accurately described as 'cringe' – and McDiarmid Park's rather brisk weather and there's not a lot different between Perth and where Sebastian Soto hopes to spend his December. 

Okay ... maybe on closer inspection that line doesn't quite hold up, but it's games at the home of St Johnstone that'll decide whether or not Norwich City's on loan striker adds to his two caps when the USA take to the field in one of Qatar's shiny new stadiums. 

Unlike Saturday's attritional contest between the Saints and Livingston – won by the hosts after an early Callum Hendry penalty – the eyes of the world could be on Soto for those few weeks; and he's refusing to give up on his American Dream. Even if his focus remains well and truly in West Lothian for now. 

The Herald: America's head coach Gregg BerhalterAmerica's head coach Gregg Berhalter

“It’s something you have to keep in the back of your head," the 21-year-old said. "You want to play for your national team and your country. But it starts at club level. 

“If we can get this club into the top six, then anything can happen over the next few months. That motivates me." 

Having made just his first start for Livingston at the weekend – and, while limited to one or just two openings, he showed flashes of his talent – Soto is still a bit of an unknown quality in Scotland but he might be worth keeping an eye on. If Steve Clarke's men can prevail over Ukraine and then Wales, they'd find themselves in a group with England, Iran, and, of course, the USA.

Not that Livi's American was shy in predicting a winner in a possible clash between his current home and his country. 

"The US, England and Scotland; that would really be something," the former Hannover 96 player said. "It’s always exciting to watch and the USA have qualified, it will be a fun World Cup.

"Whether I am on the field or cheering - I wish I could go to the match - and I am sorry … if we play Scotland, we’ll beat you guys." 

While Soto and his Livi teammates were left to rue missed chances on Saturday, it was another weekend to savour for Hendry and the Saints. His sixth goal since he returned at the turn of the year to Perth lifted St Johnstone six points clear of bottom-placed Dundee and the most optimistic of punters is now looking up rather than down. 

“Everybody at the club knows Callum ability – we’ve known it for years," said midfielder Murray Davidson. “Some of the things he does in training are first class.

“When he got sent out on loan his attitude was brilliant – even when I saw him about here.

The Herald: Callum Hendry has excelled for St Johnstone Callum Hendry has excelled for St Johnstone

“I’ve seen boys go out on loan who think ‘that’s me done’ or would wonder about being called back when the team is bottom the league.

“But his general play and work-rate has been excellent. It’s not just his goals."