Watford defender Jay DeMerit is hoping for a good showing in the Copa America in Venezuela to put him in the frame for a place in the US roster at the 2010 World Cup.

DeMerit, who made his national team debut at the age of 27 in March following a long road to the top which took in minor league soccer, made two appearances in the Gold Cup for the US, including the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago.

"It was definitely a huge goal of mine," DeMerit told American Soccer Daily. "It was my first summer tournament since when I was playing for the Chicago Sockers about six years ago I think, and now that I have achieved that, goals get shuffled forward again."

Wisconsin-born DeMerit was one of nine players from the US Gold Cup roster selected for the Copa America by Bob Bradley. The National Team coach asked DeMerit in England in April if he wanted to play in both summer competitions, an offer he gratefully accepted.

"Me coming in late to the game and especially international play means I need to get as much exposure and experience as I can," DeMerit explained.

"I knew that if I got invited I would accept. It is a chance for people like me who are new to the set up to keep our feet in the door. We are all going to look to make an impression on Bob so we can be a part of it for the next World Cup."

The US campaign kicks off on Thursday against Argentina in Maracaibo, venue for the final on July 15th.

"The first game is against Argentina - that pops right out," agreed DeMerit. "To play against them would be a great achievement."

"I played against Carlos Tevez and Gabriel Heinze early in the season, and preseason against Brazil's Adriano and a couple more from Inter who were South American. It is just another level and all those guys are fantastic players. It is also great experience to see what the hostility is like in those venues in front of those crowds, so this is only going to make us better as a nation and as individuals."

The US takes on Paraguay in Barinas on July 2nd and Colombia in Barquisimeto three days later.

"Those are powers in the sport," said DeMerit, "so to compete against them is an invaluable experience. That is what it is all about, just like at a league level playing against Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal - that is what you play the game for. You should not have to get yourself up for those types of games. Playing against the likes of Argentina and Paraguay - at Watford I don't get to do that every day!"