Paul Rogers is hoping an appearance at the World University Games can earn him a professional contract in England.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper from Brighton has been selected in the 20-strong British squad to take part in the Games in Daegu, North Korea, starting on August 22.

Rogers currently plays professionally in the United States but would love the chance to show off his talents in this country.

He said: "This is a chance to put yourself in the shop window.

"I am told out of the British squad that went to the Beijing Games two years ago 70 per cent have turned full time professional since then.

"I play professionally in America in the A-League, which is the league below where Tim Howard who has just signed for Manchester United was playing.

"It is the equivalent of our First Division. Hopefully I will be playing again next season if I can't find anything back here.

"I would love to be a professional over here and I have just signed with an FA agent in this country."

The World University Games is a great place to showcase your talents.

Previous British internationals who have gone on to do well include Everton and Scotland defender David Weir plus former Leeds defender David Weatherall.

Of the Korean squad who took part in Beijing two years ago, eight of them were in the full Korean squad for last year's World Cup.

Rogers was selected from 8,000 hopefuls after a selection policy change opened the door to British players at university abroad.

As a teenager, he played for Sussex Schools and Sussex under-19s before winning a soccer scholarship to Indianapolis University and then Florida University.

After returning to Indianapolis he joined Indiana Blast in the American A-League.

On previous visits back home over the last five years, Rogers has turned out for the likes of Lewes, Worthing, Bognor, St Leonards and Fisher Athletic, having originally broken into the Peacehaven first team at 15.

Rogers recently returned to England to prepare with the Great Britain squad at Lilleshall.

They have played warm-up games against Charlton, West Ham, West Bromwich and Sheffield United and have high hopes for the forthcoming tournament.

"The team came seventh in Beijing, which is just above halfway when you break it down," said Rogers.

"We are hoping for at least a medal spot this time around.

"The coach, Graeme Dell, has said the standard of the squad has come on tenfold from two years ago."

Rogers trained with Albion when Brian Horton was manager a few years ago but his local club have showed little interest in the Great Britain player.

He has spent this week training with Fulham, an arrangement which was made by Dell to keep himself in shape before the Games.

Rogers said: "There was nothing more to it, it was just to keep myself fit but everyone was very helpful and I met Edwin van der Saar and Maik Taylor.

"I just want to be a full time professional over here.

"I don't even mind going in the Conference as long as it is full time."

The World University Games start on August 22 and Great Britain are in the same group as Mexico, Morocco and Ukraine.