Former West Bromwich Albion defender Liam Ridgewell is excited ahead of a meeting with President Barack Obama.

Experienced defender Ridgewell is currently plying his trade in America with the Portland Timbers and he played a key role in captaining the club to the MLS Cup last season.

Ridgewell is a popular figure in Portland, even having a beer named after him, and the 32-year-old has now expressed his excitement ahead of a White House encounter with President Obama.

The ex-Aston Villa and Birmingham City star told the Daily Star: "Portland and MLS has been great.

"Last season was the icing on the cake. It was my first full season and I won it.

"The perks of being out here winning the league were massive.

"We did the Ridgy beer (Ridgy's Royall Boat) here a few weeks ago and my family were here. It was a good night.

"I'm going to the White House to meet Obama, which will be fantastic. We just got our suits made up."

He added, jokingly: "They would never let a Ridgewell in there (to the White House) so something has gone wrong!"