Christian Dean is looking to take his Vancouver Whitecaps opportunity with both hands.

The 22-year old centre-back, who is a USA U23 regular, made four appearances for the Whitecaps in 2014 - his rookie year - but has not featured in the new campaign.

Dean insists he is working hard in training and with the 'Caps reserves side, WFC2, and is hoping he is soon given a chance by head coach Carl Robinson.

"I'm just waiting for the opportunity," Dean told MLSsoccer.com.

"He's just told me to be ready because once the opportunity comes I'm going to have to take it. I know there's the Canadian Championship coming up soon and I know last year he played all the young players in it, so if that time does come I'm going to have to show that I am ready to play in those games and whatever happens, happens."

Dean admits a spot has opened since English veteran Andy O'Brien departed the club in the off-season but he is yet to be given the break as he sits behind the likes of Kendall Watson, Pa Modou Kah, Diego Rodriguez and Tim Parker.

"I just knew at that point that I was just going to have to fight for my spot," Dean added.

"It's an opportunity I got when Andy left and it's something that I have to take. I knew bringing Pa in was going to be difficult for me to start. Seeing him play at Portland, he was a great center half, still is. He's a veteran and I'm inexperienced. But I'll get my opportunity and once I get it, I'm going to have to take it."