James Sands has been handed the chance to impress the USA national team set up after a call-up to face Mexico.
The former Rangers loanee is part of a 23-man group who will take part in the inaugural Allstate Continental Clasico against arch rivals Mexico on April 19 in Glendale, Arizona. Ten players who went to the World Cup Finals in Qatar make as part of a squad made up of mainly domestic based players.
This is due to the match falling outside of the designated international calendar, meaning clubs are not required to release players for national team duty. 20 of the players included ply their trade in the MLS with just two players in the set-up playing abroad in the shape of Sergino Dest at AC Milan and Alan Sonora of FC Juarez. Joshua Wynder stars in the USL Championship.
Sands returns to the USMNT camp for the first time since March 2022 and will bid to make a first appearance since September 2021 against Honduras in World Cup qualifying.
The midfielder made an early return to parent club New York City FC from Rangers with Michael Beale deciding he didn't have a future at Ibrox. On his return, he penned a new contract despite reported interest from other clubs in Europe.
Speaking last month, Sands said: “I am excited to return to New York. As someone who grew up in New York and played for local youth teams and the NYCFC academy, it was and continues to be a great honor to represent this Club. NYCFC has had a tremendous impact on my development, the club's support of my initial step in Europe and continued understanding of my career goals has been very important to me.
“I would like to thank Rangers for the fantastic opportunity to play with a top-notch European team. Reaching the Europa League final, playing in the Champions League, and winning the Scottish Cup are just a few of the many positive memories that I will take away with me. The level of support from the Rangers’ fans is second to none.
“As I return to New York, I am looking forward to playing with some of my former teammates as well as many new ones. I’m excited about the club's vision for the future and hope I can use my experience abroad to help the club achieve its goals and bring home some more silverware for our incredible fans.”
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