Honduras: The Not-so-Secret Hotbed of Talent

. Bruce, who had already worked with Palacios during a loan deal at his previous club Birmingham, had given two young, completely untried players the chance to compete in the Premier League, their only previous experience being at a league in a Central American backwater.

Both Figueroa and Palacios took time to settle but, as the 2008/09 season kicked off, both had found their feet and adjusted to the pace of the English game. Palacios in particular quickly began to establish himself as an energetic and tenacious central midfielder, who was keeping some of the best players in the league under wraps. Heads soon turned- Sir Alex Ferguson one of several parties interested in his services.

Now another international Hendry Thomas has become Roberto Martinez’s first signing at the JJB Stadium. He will certainly look to follow in the footsteps of those that have made their name already.

They aren’t the only Hondurans to spread their wings. David Suazo and Julio Cesar de Leon have both impressed in Italy, the former now plying his trade at Portugese giants Benfica after appearing for Inter Milan in the past couple of seasons.

The experience these players have gained from their European travels is undoubtedly being transferred to the performances of the national team. Honduras currently sit in third place in the qualifying group for the 2010 World Cup, a point above Mexico after beating them 3-1 earlier in the competition. Third place would be enough to head to South Africa next summer.

Maybe then the Hondurans will continue to shock us?

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