At best professional soccer is a short career. It therefore naturally follows the shelf life of an international player is shorter still. It is what you do with the time you have that counts.

The breakout year for Guillermo Franco was a long time coming and with the World Cup now less than six months away the Mexican striker is finally primed to make a lasting impression.

Making a case for South Africa

The 33-year old veteran is making his mark with West Ham in the English Premier League after successfully leading Mexico through the final batch of World Cup qualifiers and helping his country to a fifth CONCACAF Gold Cup triumph last summer.

At least, Mexico is his adopted country. Four years ago, at the ripe old age of 29, Franco was a World Cup rookie. It didn't end happily in Germany where he regressed from starter in the opening group game to unused substitute in the round of 16 loss to Argentina - the country in which he was born and raised.

The 'Sven Experiment', which ultimately followed, was not only a bad idea for Mexico; it was also bad news for Franco. During an injury-plagued spell with Villarreal in Spain's La Liga, he was used sparingly by the former England boss before fate intervened.

While Franco had been plying his trade with the Yellow Submarine, Eriksson's successor - Javier Aguirre - had also been working in Spain, managing Atletico Madrid first into the UEFA Cup and then into the UEFA Champions League.

Aguirre needed no introduction to Franco's talent when the Federacion Mexicana came knocking for a second time in April last year. The former Monterrey marksman was restored to the starting lineup and scored in his second game back, setting Mexico on track for a crucial victory over Trinidad & Tobago.

With a Gold Cup gold medal round his neck, won against the Americans on American soil, Franco struck again - this time against Costa Rica as the Ticos' own World Cup bid began to unravel.  Four internationals goals in less than three months were more than enough to vindicate Aguirre's faith.

Moved to England

Franco embraced new challenges before the end of 2009. A long cherished move to England's elite became reality last September when he signed for West Ham as a free agent. He instantly became a hit in London, scoring three goals in his first seven appearances for Gianfranco Zola's Hammers.

He struck up a fruitful partnership with Carlton Cole before the England striker damaged knee ligaments in late November. Franco, who is now struggling himself with a muscle injury, has not found the net since but news of Cole's expected return by the end of the month will be a huge boost for all concerned.

Despite the recent drought, the signs appear promising for Franco even though younger, quicker players are emerging, hungry to take his place in South Africa. Carlos Vela and Giovani dos Santos, also based in London with Arsenal and Spurs respectively, are the biggest threats.

The dynamic duo, still both just 20, and remembered fondly by Canadian fans for their contributions at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2007, are now fully-fledged internationals. Franco also has to fight off the claims of Miguel Sabah, who caught fire at the Gold Cup and the unpredictable Nery Castillo who has a chance to re-ignite his career after rejoining Olympiacos, the Greek side where he made his name.

Guille Franco, however, is determined to be at the head of the queue and give himself a chance to re-write the record books. Should he opening the scoring against the host nation, Franco would become the oldest player ever to score the first goal at a World Cup.

I wonder if he knows, or cares. We might find out in Johannesburg on June 11th.