Shavar Thomas.

LAUDERHILL, Florida, USA:

Veteran Reggae Boy Shavar Thomas, who has captained Jamaica several times in recent months, is concerned lack of playing time at his Major League Soccer (MLS) club could jeopardise his place in the country's team when World Cup qualifiers begin in June 2012.

Thomas played a total of 35 minutes - all as a substitute - in three of 34 regular season games for United States-based Sporting Kansas City (SKC) during the recently concluded 2011 MLS season. He did not play during SKC's play-off run.

With national coach Theodore Whitmore insisting Jamaica's squad members stay productive at their clubs, the 6' 1" central defender understands he risks losing his place, unless he can get more playing time at SKC or elsewhere next season.

"You have to be realistic, you know," the 30-year-old Thomas, who has represented Jamaica's senior team more than 40 times, starting with his debut as a 20-year-old, said last weekend here.

"I play for the national team also. Not being a regular starter at your club, you know, it plays also with your selection."

For now, even with talks ongoing about his future at SKC, despite the two years remaining on his contract, Thomas is banking on his performances for Jamaica in recent games to keep him in Whitmore's World Cup plans.

"The good thing about it," he said, "when I got invited to the national team, I went there and did my job, you know. So that speaks volume."

However, Jamaica is currently on a five-game losing streak, dating back to the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup in June, and Whitmore has announced his willingness to "shake up" the team. Thomas knows he must see substantial playing time at his club next season to maintain form and fitness.

"At the club level I have to also be doing the same work or more," he said.

Thomas, who completed his ninth MLS season in 2011, has played twice the US mid-western club, the first stint when it was called Kansas City Wizards. He has also represented Dallas Burn and Chivas USA. Thomas was signed by the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, but never played a game for the club. He made one appearance for the Philadelphia Union before being traded to SKC in 2010.

Thomas called last season "certainly not a successful one, because, you know, I want to play. That didn't happen, even though I still put my two cents when I get my chances.

"But that's how the game is," he added. "It's up and down."

Thomas is open to changing clubs if it will get him playing time next season. He has not ruled out returning to MLS. But, he explained, wherever he ends up next season he will be challenging for playing time and a chance to erase the memories of MLS 2011.

"(I'm) not certain the best thing is a move," Thomas said, "but wherever I'm gonna get the best chance to showcase my talent (I'll go)."