ELRIO van Heerden is determined to win the battles he is fighting on two fronts this season - but knows his club challenge has to come before any World Cup dreams.

Blackburn Rovers’ South African summer signing has promised a World Cup to remember, when his country host the event next year, but knows the next few months at Ewood Park could prove pivotal for his own involvement.

Van Heerden has kept his place in the Bafana Bafana squad for games against Norway and Iceland later this month, despite being yet to feature in the Premier League, but he fears a long-term first team absence could put his international hopes in jeopardy.

The 26-year-old remains far from frustrated as he relishes adapting to life in English football, insisting he is prepared to bide his time, but is focused on getting himself ready to take his chance when it comes along.

He said: “I am enjoying things here, I have Benni McCarthy, and I have settled in well. It has been good and I am just waiting for my chance to play now.

“I think I will get the chance when the manager thinks I am ready. Everyone wants to play but it is up to the manager who he puts in the team.

“All I can do is wait patiently and when I get my chance I have to make use of it. So hopefully I will get a chance soon in the future to show what I can do.

“Playing first team is important for my South Africa hopes, of course, but first I have to keep working hard in training and just bide my time for the chance to come along.

“South Africa know me and know what I can do but of course you have to be playing to be part of the team because there is a lot of competition, everyone wants to be part of the World Cup.”

Van Heerden arrived at Rovers on a free transfer from Belgian outfit Club Brugge early in the summer but has had to settle for playing reserve games and Carling Cup matches so far.

Rovers boss Sam Allardyce has already admitted the speedy winger will need time to adapt to Premier League football, having suffered an injury-plagued 2008 which saw him spend ten months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Van Heerden featured prominently in Rovers reserves’ impressive 3-0 win at Everton on Tuesday night, and not expected to be involved in Sunday’s Premier League clash at Arsenal, is now eyeing up his latest international commitments.

“We have two games against Norway and Iceland. I am looking forward to it,” he said. “Games like these reserves matches are important because they give you fitness, match fitness, and I need that ahead of the South African game.

“The World Cup is far away and my first battle, my first goal, is to win a place in the first team here and do well for the club and then think about the World Cup after that.

“Of course it is a big event, it is going to be something very special for all South Africans especially, but the whole world, and I hope I can be a part of that.

“I know Benni McCarthy from the national team of course, we are from the same culture so obviously that helps. He has supported me and has been a good help for me.”