EWOOD hot-shot Matt Jansen today claimed he could be the answer to Sven Goran Eriksson's problems on the left in the wake of England's dramatic qualification for next summer's World Cup Finals.

The 23-year-old frontman may have spent the majority of his career as a central striker during his time with Rovers and Crystal Palace.

But, after a host of players have tried and failed to fill the void on the left side of England's midfield, Jansen has pleaded for a chance to prove he could be worth a place in Japan.

"When you look around, there are not many natural left-footers so I do feel I could help England," said Jansen.

"And I don't think that my club position should matter.

"I've had lots of different managers in my time, so I've played in a number of systems and in various positions.

"I know I would be comfortable on the left.

"I've played in that position before, for Carlisle and Crystal Palace, so it is not as if Mr Eriksson is trying to invent a position for me."

Recent England managers have struggled to find anyone capable of making the left midfield role his own with various players including Graeme Le Saux and Steve McManaman failing to provide the balance the team craves.

Liverpool's Nicky Barmby was the latest to fill the role on Saturday but -- like the majority of his team-mates -- he was desperately disappointing as England scrapped an injury-time equaliser against the plucky Greeks. Meanwhile, one Rover virtually assured of a place in Japan is keeper Brad Friedel after the United States qualified last night.

Friedel was part of the US team which beat Jamaica 2-1 yesterday to guarantee they finished runners in CONCACAF qualifying.

Everton's Joe Max-Moore was the US hero, scoring twice in the 4th and 81st minutes to cap a Man of the Match performance.

Manager Bruce Arena said: "We're really happy, but in all honesty, we deserve to be through.

"I'm proud of our team. Now we have seven months to produce a better team than we produced in 2000 and 2001.

"But I'm optimistic that we can put a better team on the field in the World Cup next year."

Elsewhere, Rovers midfielder Jason McAteer has insisted he must leave Ewood to boost his own hopes of appearing in next summer's finals.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder is currently struggling to hold down a regular starting place with Rovers.

And he hopes to complete a switch to Sunderland later this week after several enquiries from abroad have fallen through.

"Sunderland made an approach and it is being sorted out," said McAteer.

"The only way I'll get a chance to play for Ireland in the World Cup is by playing first team football.

"There were talks with Udinese and Alaves but the stumbling block was my wages."

Marlon Broomes has had his loan spell at Grimsby extended by another month.

Rovers' Academy Under 19s lost 1-0 to Liverpool at the weekend while the Under 17s drew 1-1.