Mark Warburton has been linked with a reunion with Rangers’ James Tavernier at Nottingham Forest – which would provide competition for Eric Lichaj.
As if the pressure of a new season wasn’t enough, the prospect of a World Cup this time next year means each and every player in contention for a plane bound for Russia will be hoping for nine months of perfect form.
Therefore, with Eric Lichaj under pressure from DeAndre Yedlin, Fabian Johnson and Timothy Chandler to seal a place on the right hand side of the USA defence in time for next summer, the last thing he needs is added competition for his position at Nottingham Forest.
Eric Lichaj enjoyed a solid season at Forest
Yet, The Scotsman claimed earlier this week that Forest have made a bid for Rangers right-back James Tavernier. Current Forest boss Mark Warburton knows him well, having made the former Newcastle United prospect his first signing during his spell at Ibrox.
And Lichaj will know that he cannot afford to lose his place in Warburton’s starting XI in this most crucial of seasons.
“I’m just going to do my hardest and it’s an opportunity for everybody that’s in the squad to stake their claim for a World Cup spot in a year’s time,” Lichaj, who is in Bruce Arena’s squad for next month’s Gold Cup, told US Soccer.
“In your club there’s always competition for a spot, and all the guys know that. So if you’re not on your A-game I don’t think you’ll be playing many games.”
Rangers’ James Tavernier could challenge Lichaj for his first-team berth at Forest
Therefore, if Lichaj is to retain his place in the USMNT 12 months from now, he needs to be playing regular first-team football in the Championship.
Chandler, a regular for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, and Newcastle United’s Yedlin already have the advantage of plying their trade in a more high-profile league.
Therefore, if Tavernier does indeed reunite with Warburton at the City Ground, Lichaj will know that he must make the 2017/18 season one of his best.
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