WORLD CUP Dean Furman's World Cup dreams appear to be over after he was left out of South Africa's 29-man training squad.

Furman, 21, who has played more than 70 matches for Rangers, Bradford City and Oldham Athletic, has been called up once by his country - as an unused substitute in a friendly against Australia in 2008.

He has not featured since Carlos Alberto-Parreira took over as coach.

"Trimming down the squad is not the ideal situation but it's something that has to be done. It doesn't mean the players that will be left out are not good enough, but me and my technical team took a long time discussing this list carefully. I wish to see and welcome those who missed out in Brazil in 2014," said a sympathetic Parreira.

Furman said: "I can't see it happening, but it is something I am aiming for and I would like to represent South Africa. It looks as though the manager has selected top players competing at the highest level in Europe as well as those playing in the South African Premier League."

Speaking about his season at Oldham, he said: "It's been hard work in a tough league but I've enjoyed it."

There was good news for Jonathan Bornstein as he was included in the United States' 30-man preliminary squad, but disappointment for former Maccabiah teammate Benny Feilhaber, who missed the cut.