United States coach Bob Bradley has every faith in West Ham United defender Jonathan Spector ahead of Wednesday evening's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica.
Chicago-born Spector is in line to win his 13th senior cap in San Jose after Columbus Crew's Frankie Hejduk and Hanover 96's Steve Cherundolo were both ruled out through injury.
Coach Bradley believes the 23-year-old has all the right attributes to cope with the Costa Ricans, who have never lost at home to the Americans in seven previous meetings and go into the match a point behind their opponents at the top of the CONCACAF final qualifying round table.
Having missed the second half of 2008 - and the Beijing Olympic Games - with a serious hip injury, tonight's match would mark Spector's first appearance for his country since the 3-0 friendly victory over Poland in Chorzow on 26 March 2008.
"It's very good to have Jonathan back in our team," said Bradley. "He's always a guy that we appreciate what he brings in terms of his experience, his versatility. He has done very well to overcome some injuries and to deal with some of the tough moments that have come his way.
"He's a very good player, just as a person, one who makes the group better. So we're excited that he's back with us and look forward to seeing him on the field."
One of five English-based players in Bradley's squad, Spector is expected to start at right-back on Wednesday.
"He is a versatile player, a guy who does a lot of the little things to help his team," said Bradley. "Anybody that knows Jonathan sees the maturity that he possesses. He's an intelligent young man, he's got a great family, and when you're a player at a high level there are going to be tough situations."
The United States go into the match having won two and drawn one of their opening three group matches. Following their trip to Costa Rica - nicknamed the 'Ticos' - Spector will head for his home city of Chicago to face Honduras at Soldier Field on Saturday.
Bradley knows two victories will see the Americans take a giant step towards reaching next summer's tournament in South Africa, a country they will visit later this month to compete in the FIFA Confederations Cup.
"We know that these are important games," said Bradley. "It's a big challenge but one that we're very excited about."