Jonathan Spector is with the United States in Costa Rica preparing for Wednesday night's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The West Ham United defender, still only 23, is part of a 24-man squad looking for a victory that would move the US four points clear of their hosts in CONCACAF qualifying for next summer's finals ahead of a home qualifier with Honduras on 6 June in Chicago.
With several of his international team-mates still involved in the Major League Soccer season last weekend, it is thought Spector could play a significant part. His chances have also been furthered by a groin injury suffered by usual right-back Frankie Hejduk.
The Costa Rica fixture was brought forward from 10 June because of the US involvement in the FIFA Confederations Cup which will see them depart for South Africa on 8 June. Spector will hope to be involved in that tournament, having seen injury cost him a place at the 2006 World Cup and 2008 Olympics. He has been capped 12 times by his country.
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