With his name somewhat surprisingly etched on US coach Thomas Rongen's final roster heading for the 2007 Under-20 World Cup in Canada, FC Dallas midfield savant Dax McCarty took time to reflect on the disappointment of having been excluded from the same team earlier in the year and offered up a glimpse of what to expect as his career kicks up.

It's been far from a picture perfect year for the all-around midfielder; he was left out of Rongen's team that fought for qualification to the tournament after having become an ever-present feature of the Dutchman's lineup with the more starts than anyone else in 2006, four goals and assists of the same tally to his name.

"Obviously, not making the qualifying team was a huge disappointment for me," McCarty recently told American Soccer Daily. "I understand that coaches have tough decisions to make and this was just another one of those."

"I think that it has definitely made me stronger as a player both physically and mentally. I feel like I have to prove myself every time I step on the field, but not making the team was definitely extra motivation."

The sixth overall pick of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft has never been short of admirers, but admits his own eyes to be most critical of all.