Soccer: James still waits for home to call

The 26-year old is fit, in the prime of his career and hungry to fulfil his potential but can't find a club who want him. Photo / Getty Images

Pulling on the Silver Fern is a dream come true for most Kiwi footballers but, for All White Chris James, it means a little more.

It means he gets to play football.

James is in the curious position of being an international specialist — wanted by his country, but somehow unwanted by any professional club. Anywhere.

Since scoring in both the All Whites' World Cup qualifying losses to Mexico in November, when he was one of New Zealand's top performers, James has played only one competitive game.

And that was against Japan, once again in an All Whites shirt.

It means James will at least be fresh when he plays his second game of the year on Friday, against South Africa at Mt Smart Stadium.

The 26-year old is fit, in the prime of his career and hungry to fulfil his potential but can't find a club who want him. And he's as confused about it as anyone.

"I'd be lying to say I wasn't surprised that something didn't pop up after the Mexico games, from anywhere," James said. "My friends in the English League were saying, 'righto, you're suddenly going to start getting some phone calls now', but they just didn't come and I was left wondering, 'why not?'"

James has been biding his time in Finland, where he played professionally for two teams over four years. But since being released from his contract with Kuopion Palloseura shortly before the Mexico matches, he has been a free agent — working out, coaching, plotting his next move and patiently waiting.

"It's been a difficult period. I have faced this before when I was 20 and left Fulham and had to try to find a new club, and it's not easy. I want to play in Europe. This is where I want to be and I just have to believe in myself. I know what I'm capable of and believe it's just a matter of time.

"Sometimes football is a mental rollercoaster. I'm 26 and been through a lot and it hardens you up. You have to be mentally strong to deal with these situations. I went from the high of scoring twice against Mexico, to not even receiving a phone call. Within the space of two or three weeks, I was right back down to the ground and had to start again."

James is a holding midfielder with a high work-rate, good range of passing and an eye for a goal. It's a position New Zealand have struggled to produce quality in, highlighted by Ricki Herbert's failed Chris Killen experiment at the 2012 OFC Nations Cup in Honiara, where he desperately tried to convert the veteran striker.

"The South Africa game is a great opportunity," James said. "I want to do well for New Zealand but also see if it can propel my career individually. I'm coming to a very important period in my career and I know I have to keep building but I have the drive to keep playing as long as possible. I will be 30 at the next World Cup and desperately want to be there."

Remarkably, James' situation isn't unique in New Zealand football. Simon Elliott was the only unattached player at the 2010 World Cup and four All Whites were also without a club during last year's playoffs with Mexico.

Tony Lochhead has since gone on to score a contract with Chivas in the MLS, but Jeremy Christie and Aaron Clapham are still without professional contracts.

James will be fighting for a starting spot in a talented All Whites midfield full of diminutive playmakers. Michael McGlinchey, Ryan Thomas and Marco Rojas will likely be guaranteed starters while James will battle with Tim Payne for the holding role.

As long as James gets some game time, he will be happy. A club wanting his signature would be an added bonus.