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For Stuart Holden it is clearly about seizing the moment. The U.S. International is playing a game of "risk vs. reward" knowing his decision could cost him not only his reputation but also a place at the World Cup.

The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has successfully jumped the first hurdle. A trial, which began at Burnley and continued at Premiership neighbours Bolton following manager Owen Coyle's defection from the Clarets to the Trotters, has netted Holden a short-term contract.

No brainer for Bolton

For Coyle it was a no brainer. Scottish-born Holden doesn't require a work permit since he has a British passport and no transfer fee was involved since he was out of contract with the Houston Dynamo. If it doesn't work out, it was a cost effective experiment for Bolton who can simply release him in the summer.

For the player, the move represents the biggest gamble of his professional career. After four years learning his trade in Major League Soccer, Holden could not resist the temptation to return to his roots and prove to himself (and perhaps Sunderland who rejected him five years ago) he is good enough to make it in Europe.

He didn't have to do this to make the American roster for South Africa. U.S. coach Bob Bradley must have Holden pencilled in as one of right midfielders in his 23-man squad, probably not as a starter, but certainly as an able back up who can make an impact off the bench. The next four months could change all that.

The clock is already ticking for Holden whose progress has been hampered by a thigh injury. He has but a few short weeks to get fit and force his way into the first team. To do that, he not only has to convince Coyle he's ready for a relegation dogfight, he must also clamber over some other new recruits to earn playing minutes. In Houston he'd have been a certain starter.

The Bolton boss has been active during the European transfer window, bringing in Slovak winger Vladimir Weiss from Manchester City and Arsenal teenager Jack Wilshere on loan deals for the remainder of the season. Both have limited EPL experience and are likely ahead of Holden in the queue for places in Coyle's line up.

Uphill task

It is no exaggeration to say Holden faces an uphill task to make a significant impression. I want to salute his bravery for trying to take his game to the next level but I cannot help feeling it's the right decision at the wrong time. Holden is no Landon Donovan, yet he is willingly, and presumably knowingly, jeopardizing his World Cup ticket.

Bradley is a no nonsense operator who will be monitoring the situation closely. Of course he'll want Holden to make the breakthrough and test himself against better defenders than he has faced hitherto in MLS. By the same token, Bradley would be loath to use a precious roster spot on a player who prepared for the World Cup playing for Bolton's reserve team.

Holden, however, is not without hope in this situation. He's highly rated by both Bradley and Coyle who are equally keen for him to succeed. He's clearly got guts and determination or he'd be reporting for pre-season preparations with Houston. That, in itself, must be worth something.

A clear marker of Holden's development will come on march 3 - the only date in the FIFA calendar set aside for friendly internationals before the World Cup kicks off. If Holden is included in Bradley's squad to face the Netherlands, it is safe to assume he's done enough to stamp his ticket to South Africa. It is a race against time and Holden needs to time his run to perfection.