Out-of-favour Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Calvin Marlin has conceded that it may be too late for him to force his way into South Africa's World Cup squad.

The 33-year-old has played second fiddle to Brian Baloyi at club side Mamelodi Sundowns so far this season and fears his chance to be included in Carlos Alberto Parreira's plans for the 2010 showpiece may have passed.

"If I had to force my way back into the Bafana side, I would have to first force my way back into the Sundowns side," he told Football365.co.za.

"I think maybe my chance for the World Cup is gone. I think that they are going to pretty much close shop in January, so unless I have a great run of games and play the rest of the season, I think my chances are gone."

The former SuperSport United stopper is currently still in negotiations with the 'Brazilians' over a new deal, but is growing restless with the stalling tactics the Chloorkop side are using.

"I'm in negotiations with Sundowns and they seem to be taking their time about it, but I'm just waiting on Sundowns to see if they want me to stay or not," he said.

However, the Port Elizabeth-born player says he is still happy at Sundowns despite the fact that he has struggled to hold down a first-team spot.

"It's never been my idea to move away to hold down a first-team spot," he added.

"I could move to any club and they could go and sign another player and he could get the No.1 jersey, so I never think of moving to another club to think that I will be No.1 because if I thought like that I would never have moved to Sundowns in the first place.

"When I did move here I think they had Andre (Arendse), Brian and another guy from overseas.

"So, for me I never take my place in the team for granted and think I'll just go to this club because I'll be No.1. If I do move it wouldn't be for that reason."

Football365.co.za