PIERRE ISSA'S hopes of gaining a place in South Africa's starting XI for the World Cup were boosted on Monday, May 20, when he featured in the 2-0 warm-up victory over Scotland.

The transfer listed centre-half, who is set to join Gerry Armstrong and John Barnes as only the third player to appear in the finals while on the Hornets' books, was selected in the heart of the defence alongside Leeds United's Lucas Radebe.