READING'S AMERICAN FLAVOR Convey grows up: Phenom finds his game in England Convey audio: World Cup hopes | U.S. and England: Cultural differences | U.S. and England: Soccer differences Hahnemann in net: Seattle native stands tall in goal Hahnemann audio: U.S. goalkeeping depth | Convey's adjustment | U.S. players in Europe

What a difference a year makes.

"From Day One of this season, he's been exceptional," says Coppell. "He's been an impact player."

The midfielder has scored seven goals this season and has all but secured a place on the U.S. national team for the World Cup in June.

Next season, Convey likely will play against some of the world's best as a result of Reading's promotion March 24 to the Premier League. The team, on the verge of bankruptcy in 1990, stands to gain $35 million from the increase in television deals and attendance.

All this at just age 22.

There was no magic potion that led to Convey's dramatic turnaround. "They just decided to play me," says Convey, who scored eight goals in five seasons with United. "It's as simple as that. I wasn't any different than I was last year."

Although he wasn't a different player, Convey's playing time changed because of a different mind-set.

"He got put in his place his first year," says U.S. coach Bruce Arena. "I don't think he was fully prepared for that move because he's been a kid who as a player has been somewhat spoiled. His days at D.C. United, he didn't have to earn a whole lot. And in that environment in England, you're given nothing. He had to earn his standing and learn how to be a team player, which wasn't one of Bobby's top priorities. He learned how to earn a place on a team and keep that place and because of that he's a likely addition to our World Cup roster."

Finding his groove

For Convey, the climb to the top has not been easy.

When he was in second grade, the Philadelphia native was diagnosed with optic nerve damage and is partially blind in his left eye. Despite the handicap, in 1999 he landed a slot on the first elite IMG Soccer Academy team.

Convey made history in 2000 when he became the youngest player signed to Major League Soccer when he was picked up by D.C. United at 16 — a record broken in 2004 by another United player, then-14-year-old Freddy Adu.

In 2003, Convey's first try at a European football club with the Premier League's Tottenham Hotspur collapsed after he could not get a work permit.

He finally achieved his dream in the 2004-2005 season with Reading, the current champion in the Football League Championship (second division).

"When he came to us he struggled for a year," says Coppell. "He didn't fit in to the team straightaway. When he had opportunities, he didn't do well. We were a little bit at a loss as how to bring out the best in him. I found I really couldn't help him. ... There were times last season when he was in the wilderness and very much confused as to what was required."

But when Convey returned this fall, he was a new man in top physical and mental form. He had had a long conversation with Arena last summer after a World Cup-qualifying game against Costa Rica, and Arena encouraged him to return to England for preseason training instead of playing in the Gold Cup in July for the USA.

"I told him, 'You just have to dig in and deal with that environment and get in the preseason and earn a position.' That's the reason why he played (this year). He was in preseason, and he earned it. That's the first time in Bobby's career he was really held accountable for his performance and his habits."

Enjoying the game

For the first time in quite a while, Convey says he feels comfortable in his position. He thanks coach Kevin Dillon for some well-heeded advice: relax.

"It's worked. I've calmed down. I'm smiling a lot more when I'm playing," said Convey, who last month was named player of the month by the Professional Footballers' Association. "It's a game and what he said is just enjoy it. ... I've just relaxed and tried not to let too many things bother me. I've been able to score more ... and take it to that next level."

Veteran Reading goalie Marcus Hahnemann, the team's other Yank, agrees fitting in has contributed to Convey's success. He and Convey have formed a tight bond, celebrating American holidays, such as Thanksgiving, together.

Convey, who lives in a downtown Reading apartment with other teammates, has become a pseudo uncle to Hahnemann's two boys, Hunter, 7, and Austin, 5.

"My kids are almost closer in age than I am to Bobby," jokes Hahnemann, 33. "They're always asking for Bobby to come over."

Convey says he has one immediate goal in mind: to earn enough money to take care of his own family and maybe pay the law school tuition for his brother Tim, a junior soccer player for Georgetown.

Besides pleasing his family, Convey feels an added pressure to do well in soccer-obsessed Europe.

"It's great to be respected by the English media and English players because they don't think Americans are good enough. That's been a motivational thing for me," he says. "I've proven everybody wrong here. I've been able to do well in a league I wasn't supposed to and help my team get promoted. As an American, to be part of the team, has been a great achievement."

He's trying not to dwell on whether he will make the U.S. national team, but he's hopeful.

"You know you're going to play against the best players in the best tournament in the world. That's a stage you want to do well on," he says. "To have the opportunity to play in the World Cup at 22 or 23, to represent your country like that, is something no one can take away from me. It's going to be amazing."

Contributing: Kelly Whiteside

Enlarge By Sang Tan, AP Bobby Convey is only 22, but his career has already been full of twists and turns. Now, he is enjoying his best season as a professional and has a strong chance of being named to the U.S. World Cup roster.