Jonathan Spector will be out to make a global impression this Saturday night when the United States take on England at the FIFA World Cup finals.
Having starred at right-back in South Africa last summer when the US beat Spain and Brazil en route to becoming FIFA Confederations Cup runners-up, Spector is looking to go one better with a defeat of England in Rustenberg. Still only 24, he is an integral part of Bob Bradley's squad and a shining example for American youngsters.
"The Confederations Cup was a fantastic experience and will put us in good stead for the World Cup," he told whufc.com. "We don't want to rest on our laurels and dwell on the success we had before in South Africa but it will certainly give us confidence.
"I certainly hope Rob Green and Matt Upson will be selected and be playing. It will be good for them and West Ham. It will be a very difficult match for us but one that as a country as a whole we are looking forward to."
Spector is especially hoping to play as injury cost him a place at the 2006 finals. He has already amassed 25 caps, however, and would love to add at least three more in South Africa.
"It has been a long and winding road into the US set-up. I had some injuries that have set me back for my country. Recently it has been steadier because I have been able to keep myself fit. It is such an honour to represent my country and a club with the tradition that West Ham has."
His love for life at the Boleyn has led him to suggest it as the ideal destination for any aspiring youngsters back home looking to make the grade.
"America is an untapped market and there are some great professionals here at West Ham that some of the kids can look up to and try and emulate. There has been an influx of Americans coming over and playing in England.
"Hopefully West Ham will be able to capitalise on that in future. It is fantastic. I grew up playing just as the majority of Americans do. A lot play soccer as well as a number of other sports. It is something I loved and I stuck with it.
"I was 16 when I first came over on trial at Manchester United and then eventually moved over when I was 17 after the [FIFA] U17 World Championship. I played for a local team Schwaben AC, which with my strong German heritage was a natural choice.
"I then played for the Chicago Sockers because they are constantly involved in competing for the national championships. I went on to the IMG academy in Florida with the U17 US national team, which was a residency programme in Bradenton and was there a year and a half before moving over to England.
"I had a wonderful opportunity in front of me that I wanted to make the most of it and it was more excitement than nerves that I felt. Initially it was a bit difficult but I had also been living away from home in Florida which isn't too far from Chicago but it is a good two-hour flight.
"When I came over here, I was used to being away from home. I didn't get homesick especially because I was doing something I loved."
He has gone from strength to strength, with his versatility earning him 93 appearances so far for the Hammers in all competitions. A cosmopolitan character, he loves life in the English capital but is focused fully on his day job.
"London is a fantastic city but I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the football and West Ham United. I feel very fortunate to be in a great city but more importantly to be able to play and make a career in playing for a fantastic club. I would say to Americans looking to come over there wouldn't be many better places to learn your trade."