JUSTIN Thompson could have played his last game for Wor-cester City.

The Canadian defender has signed a deal to play full-time football for the Portland Tim-bers in the United Soccer Lea-gue, North America's second tier, over the summer. But the Oregon club may have to secure international clearance for Thompson before the lea-gue's Sunday transfer deadline, which would make him ineligible to face Worksop Town on Saturday.

Thompson, who has played 49 times for City this season, said: "I told Portland I had a contract with Worcester but since we are out of the play-offs I have spoken to City's management and they have been accomodating and not wanted to hold me back. It's an excellent opportunity. They average 6,000 fans a game, it's a really professional league. Now that we are out of the play-offs it's not worth jeopardising."

The USL season begins this weekend and runs until September 9, but Thompson, who will miss Portland's first match against Puerto Rico on April 21, has not ruled out a return to City after that.

"I haven't made any plans yet," he said. "I have really enjoyed my time here so I am certainly going to keep my options open. I will be in contact with Andy Preece and if he feels he can use me we will talk about it."

Thompson, who played in the USL for hometown club Vancouver before coming to England, believes his time in this country will stand him in good stead. He said: "I have advanced my career and I feel I have learned a lot under the mentorship of Andy Preece and Andy Morrison."