Aidy: Jay worth World Cup place

Watford supremo Aidy Boothroyd believs that in-form American defender Jay DeMerit is playing well enough to merit a place in the USA World Cup squad.

The gaffer has been pleased with Demerit's performances in recent weeks that have seen him edge-out Clarke Carlisle for a centre-half starting berth.
'Jay has been making sure and steady progress all season, but against Leeds last night, Coventry, Sheffield United and Norwich he has shown that he is capable of playing at a higher level,' Boothroyd told the club's official website. 'Jay has shown that he has the ability to be a top class player and I have contacted Bruce Arena [the coach of the US national team] and recommended that he takes a close look at him,' added Aidy.

Boothroyd also praised the qualities that the twenty-six-year-old, who recently signed a contract extension to 2008, brings to the team. “Jay is an aggressive player and I like to see that in a central defender. “In the air and on the ground he's been cleaning up. For me, these are some of the most important qualities I look for in a player.”

Representing one's country is arguably the pinnacle of any professional's career and Boothroyd believes that DeMerit could flourish on the world stage. 'I hope Bruce Arena takes a look at Jay as I really think he could make a meaningful contribution to the American squad this summer in Germany,' argued the boss.

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