Honduras U-20 coach Javier Padilla says he will select Andy Najar for the nation's U-20 World Cup qualifiers in April, according to Honduran sources. Whereas the DC United midfielder has previously resisted committing to either Honduras or the United States, Padilla has a hunch that this time will be different. Whether it's the timing or Najar's immigration status, something's telling Padilla that Najar's ready to represent Honduras.
Andy Najar To Be Selected For Honduras U-20 Team
According to the Sunday online edition of Honduran publication El Heraldo, Najar is firmly in Padilla’s plans.
"I have a good feeling that this time Andy will say yes," says Padilla, named coach of Honduras's U-20 side last July, one year after Honduras finish last in their group at the 2009 U-20 World Cup. Honduras qualified after finishing third in CONCACAF's qualifying tournament, Costa Rica ultimately winning the qualifying competition. The United States finished second, qualifying for Egypt 2009, where they also went out in the first round.
Padilla, saying he will travel to Washington soon to talk to Najar, said the immigration status of Major League Soccer’s Rookie of the Year cold keep the 17-year-old Honduran out of the U.S. set-up until 2013. Padilla believes Najar will not want to wait that long to play internationally.
“I believe the world will encourage (Najar) to play (for Honduras),” Padilla said. “Also, it’s clear he can not play with the United States until 2013 (because of his immigration status) and I believe he will not want to wait so long to be in a national team. I hope these things work well for us.”
Of course, an invitation from Honduras should not be surprising, with the country eager to secure Najar’s commitment and close the door on his opportunity with the United States. Whether Najar accepts this invite or again declines to make a commitment remains to be seen, the United star possibly content to keep his options open.
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