Houston Dynamos midfielder Stuart Holden is on the verge of realising his World Cup dream.
The Scottish-born American citizen looks set to help his adopted nation qualify for the finals in South Africa next year and could be the only Scot to compete in the tournament following the dismal performance of the Scotland national team.
Holden, born in Aberdeen, admits he grew up dreaming of playing in the World Cup with Scotland but will be more than happy to take his opportunity with the US team.
"Football was my biggest passion when I was young. I'm sure that stems from my Scottish upbringing," the 24-year old said.
"Over here soccer isn't seen as the biggest sport but I know it's massive in Scotland. It's part of the culture and because I was brought up there, it's part of me.
"I followed Scotland as a boy. I grew up worshipping Colin Hendry and Gary McAllister - and I went to Aberdeen games to support them.
"I remember seeing them at France '98. It wasn't the best tournament for them but at least Scotland were there. I also went to watch a few games when the European Championships were in England in 1996."
Holden admits he is surprised Scotland has not been in a major tournament for so long and admits he has ridden his luck to be on the verge of clinching a berth as an American.
"I can't believe it's that long since Scotland made it to a major finals and it's sad that they won't be in South Africa," he added.
"I would have loved the chance to play against them and see the passionate crowds they take everywhere they go.
"If things had been different I might even be playing for them now. My dad was born in England, I was born in Scotland and so was my mum. I had a few options open to me.
"We only left Scotland because my dad worked in the oil industry and he got a big transfer out to Houston on my tenth birthday.
"There was also talk a few years ago that Scotland were watching me. When Alex McLeish was the manager he watched a few of my games and was quoted as saying he was monitoring my progress.
"But nothing came of it and when the USA called me up it was a no-brainer. I spent my teenage years here and have an affinity to America.
"I'll be proud if I get the chance to play at the World Cup. It will fulfil a dream but it's maybe not quite how I expected it all those years ago."
