Eight Possible Bolters for the 2010 FIFA World Cup

When Sven Goran Erricson announced the name Theo Walcott to eagerly listening journalists in 2006, it was perhaps some time before a lone member of the audience asked 'he's at Arsenal isn't he?'

Perhaps surprised that a promising youngster had been thrust upon the world stage as a 'bolter' amongst the squad, so today I will look at possible 'bolters' for the World Cup next year.

Louis Saha, France

Louis Saha has been playing very good football for his struggling Everton side. He has been in great form, bagging plenty of goals and always being a constant threat for opposition sides. His determination is very good and also has a good attitude.

Raymond Domenech would be a fool not to take this talented Frenchman to the World Cup in what could prove to be his last chance to impress on the world stage.

Leighton Baines, England

Yet to make an international appearance for England. Leighton Baines is knocking on the door to Fabio Capello to call him up and give him his first ever game for England. He has been solid for Everton who have shipped goals of late due to injury troubles, but Baines always seems to have solid games defence and attacking wise.

Although, still 24, maybe the World Cup after next year is a more realistic target for the talented Everton fullback.

Fred Adu, USA  

I don't know much about the USA, but I do know who Fred Adu is. Adu was touted as the future of American football, having trialed by the Red Devils, who could not put a deal together due to some difficulties.

After moving to Benfica, the staff there were impressed with his skills and attitude and were sure that Adu would have a good future ahead of him at Benfica, but things went wrong. Anyway, back on track, Adu has done well for his national team, and I believe he should get a chance to impress managers from around the world to revitalise his hopes of becoming USA's next big thing.

Alex Brosque, Australia

Although there are many players I could of picked, Alex Brosque is the one that has impressed the most. Even though plying his trade in Australia's Hyundai A-League ( equivalent to English League One teams to bottom half of Championship) he has been a consistent performer for his Sydney outfit. Alex has always had the skill but has been hard done by with injuries.

Australia coach Pim Verbeek recently called Brosque up to the national team squad for the game against Oman (via injury replacement for Josh Kennedy) and that has done wonders to his confidence. Hopefully he will be on the plane to South Africa.

Lisandro Lopez, Argentina 

I am a big fan of Lisandro, who recently was signed by Lyon as Karim Benzema's replacement. So far he has been a hit with the French club, bagging an impressive nine goals and an assist in 14 appearances in all competitions.

With Argentina already having oozes and oozes of talent it will be a difficult task for Lisandro to make the squad, but he is in the form of his life so only time will tell.

Carlos Eduardo, Brazil

Carlos Eduardo is an attacking midfielder for Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. He has found great success at Hoffenheim ever since his arrival. Tipped by many to flounder around the relegation zone, Hoffenheim with the help of Carlos Eduardo and many other influential names, at Christmas time were challenging for the tittle to the world's shock. Eduardo has great technique and a great attitude for a youngster.

Having made two appearances for Brazil already Carlos could be a great asset to the Brazil squad next year in South Africa.

Juan Mata, Spain

With Spain's huge quantity of talent in the midfield you couldn't really see many players challenging Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Silva for the starting berths at the World Cup. Juan Mata is a young left winger for his club Valencia, who he has made a household name of himself already.

A young talent for Valencia with still plenty of years ahead of him 2010 doesn't seem to be the year for him, although he shouldn't give up because I believe he has enough talent to make the Spanish squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Antonio Cassano, Sampdoria

Italy manager Marcello Lippi is under increasing pressure to add Cassano to the squad for South Africa to try and end their lack of scoring goals. He is undoubtedly talented but lacks a good attitude which is the reason why I think Lippi is leaving him out of the squad. I would love to see Cassano go to the World Cup and I hope it happens.