Sunday League keeper heads for World Cup

The 25-year-old IT worker, who plays for DKL Sports in the Bristol and District League, contacted the FA of Dominica (pop. 72,000) last year after hearing some small island nations were looking for foreign recruits who might qualify to play for them.

Seeing his Dominican-born father as a possible route to World Cup glory, the basketballer-turned-goalkeeper sent them an email more in hope than expectation and was amazed when they invited him to join them.

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He found himself on the same flight as Havant and Waterlooville's FA Cup hero Richard Pacquette as they joined a squad preparing for the home leg of the World Cup qualifier.

But his unlikely quest for fame hit a snag when FIFA officials questioned his right to play through his father John's birthplace.

He was forced to sit out the 1-1 draw before a 6,000 crowd but impressed sufficiently for the manager, who goes by the familiar-sounding name of Erickson, to want him back for the second leg.

He is guaranteed at least a place on the bench for the return leg that, in the event of victory, would mean a play- off against the United States.

Jeremy said: "The problem arose because when my father was born my grandparents couldn't decide what to name him so they left that part of his birth certificate blank.

"They couldn't issue my Dominican passport without that and I didn't have it when the FIFA official turned up the day before the match (on February 6) to check that everyone was eligible."

Dominica had six British players - all semi-pros bar Jeremy - plus an American and a Canadian in their squad.

Their ranks are likely to be boosted by Mansfield striker Jefferson Louis this time.

Jeremy said: "I had to go to the church where my father was baptised in a place called Massacre to get his baptism certificate before the authorities would issue my passport. The Monday and Tuesday were public holidays and the match was on the Wednesday so I couldn't get it in time."

Bristol Rovers fan Jeremy revelled in the footballing culture shock.

"It was 30 degrees every day and the ball bounced twice as high as I'm used to," he said. "I expect it will be pretty warm in Barbados as well.

"The training was amazing, not just because I was new to that level. I didn't feel out of my depth, especially playing behind a defence so well organised compared to what I'm used to. But the power and accuracy of the shots was something I hadn't experienced. Our keeper had a great game in the first leg but I know that I'll be at least a sub because we are only taking a squad of 18."

Since returning to Bristol his team-mates have kept his feet on the ground.

"When I came back I took a bit of stick and the opposition seemed pretty keen to score past me," he said.

"It's more pressure when you're playing but the experience has improved me as a goalkeeper."

Word of that has apparently spread around the district and he has been training with semi-professional Bitton of the Toolstation Western League.

He is also due to have a training session with Alex Penny, goalkeeping coach at Bristol City's academy.