Chris James, a New Zealand international attacking midfield player, begins his bid to be selected for his country's World Cup squad this week ... in Barnet's colours.

The 22-year-old former Fulham reserve, who last played for top flight Finnish club Tampere United , received international clearance from The FA on Good Friday.

James, who has signed for the Bees until the end of the season, also plays on the left or right wings. He has played Champions League football and has represented New Zealand 16 times against the likes of Brazil.

The New Zealand authorities, www.barnetfc.com understands, have told James that he needs to be playing for a club to be considered for the World Cup squad. James sent our website story about his signing for the Bees to New Zealand.

Ian Hendon said: "His aim is first to force his way into our team and then get a few games in to earn himself a ticket for South Africa in June".

James is included in the Bees' squad for tomorrow's game at Underhill against Chesterfield. He has been given the No 11 shirt.

Note: current internationals in the Barnet squad are the cousins Albert Jarrett and Ahmed Deen (Sierra Leone), but Gary Breen has played for the Republic of Ireland at World Cup finals level, Micah Hyde has represented Jamaica and Mark Hughes Northern Ireland.

Dennis Signy