CANVEY Island-based Chris Bourne is just one round away from playing at the 2014 World Cup with Guyana.

The 26-year-old helped his country surge through to the final group stage of qualifying for the tournament with a 2-1 triumph over Trinidad & Tobago in front of 18,000 fans.

And Bourne, who came on for the final 20 minutes after recovering from injury, described the impressive victory as the best of his career.

“When the final whistle went it was the best feeling I’ve ever had in football,” said Bourne.

“After Trinidad had lost away to Bermuda we knew if we beat them we would be through.

“Trinidad had a strong team out with Kenwyne Jones, Stern John, Carlos Edwards and Chris Burchall all playing but we played a very good game, which I would put down to the great support of our home fans.”

Guyana also beat Barbados home and away before beating Bermuda at home and drawing with them away.

Those results have seen them qualify for the next round where they will play Mexico, El Salvador and Costa Rica both home and away.

That campaign kicks off next June and Bourne cannot wait to test himself against some of the world’s best known footballers.

“It’s an amazing feeling to think I will be playing against the likes of Javier Hernadez of Manchester United,” said Bourne.

“It will be very tough but I will make sure I work hard to do everything I can to help Guyana progress.

“It still hasn’t sunk in we’re a round away from the 2014 finals in Brazil.”

However, Bourne is now hungry to play a part in more shock victories to keep making his family happy.

“My parents are very proud and I’m sure I have made my grandparents proud too who are no longer with us,” said Bourne.

“But when I look up to the heavens, I’m sure they are looking down on me and are helping me achieve what every player in the world wants to achieve – to play in the World Cup.”