"I'm out to score 20 goals in the Victorian Premier League to give myself a chance of playing in the World Cup finals in Germany." That was the bold declaration yesterday of South Melbourne signing Kevin Nelson.
And it's not an idle boast.
Nelson is an international with Trinidad and Tobago, the smallest nation to qualify for this year's World Cup. The country's captain, Dwight Yorke, already plays in Australia with A-League club Sydney FC.
"I've played for Trinidad at every level from under-17s to the Olympic team and I've been promised by (Trinidad national coach) Leo Beenhaker that he'll keep an eye on my form," Nelson said.
"They've got games against Iceland, Wales and Saudi Arabia in the lead-up and I'm aiming to have the form to warrant a call-up."
Nelson came to Australia chasing an A-League contract and Adelaide United was interested until it secured brilliant Brazilian Fernando Rech to cover the retirement of Aurelio Vidmar.
South Melbourne then swooped and coach John Anastasiadis believes the nuggety striker is the prize signing of the pre-season.
"He's good enough to play in the A-League and I expect him to be a standout in the Premier League," Anastasiadis said.
"He's small but he's fast, powerful and a good finisher. I'm expecting him to form a very good partnership with Vaughan Coveny up front."
Anastasiadis' claim has been backed by Sydney FC.
It tried to sign the striker in the past few days on a short-term loan to cover for injured striker David Zdrilic.
"It was on the go until Friday and only got killed by red tape," Nelson said. "But now I'm here and looking forward to playing in the Victorian League and helping South Melbourne to a good season.
"It's a professional club with big ambitions and I want to be part of a successful season."
Nelson was top scorer for two successive years in the Canadian National League with Ottawa and also played in Venezuela for a year.
His signing is an indication of the high standard of the competition that kicks off this weekend.
The Victorian Premier League has been renamed the Vodafone Cup and South will start the season as strong title favourite.