Berner: Swiss on a mission

So, according to BBC Sport Bruno Berner has not quite given up on his World Cup dream just yet.

And who can blame him? In a season full of high performers for City, Berner has still rose above most to take his position as one of the most consistent left backs in the Championship this year.

His opening goal in Leicester's superb win over East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest last weekend was his third of the season so far, a return not to be retorted at for a player of his position.

But more importantly, Berner has quickly established himself as one of Nigel Pearson's most important squad players. When injured for six matches between December and January, it was clear that Ryan McGivern was not the man to fill the boots of the former-Swiss international, as demonstrated by a series of awkward performances.

So when Berner finally returned to the first team lineup for the home match against Newcastle, there was certainly a collected sigh of relief. As it happened Berner put in a sterling performance that game to help City to a fully deserved point, and since then the Foxes have remained unbeaten.

And how many clean sheets did City pick up in that Berner-less period? Not one.

He is simply another example of Pearson's fine work in the transfer market, a free transfer after being disposed of by Blackburn Rovers back in 2008. Just three appearances for the Premier League side formulated an unhappy time at Ewood Park, but Berner has since rebuilt his career at the Walkers with Leicester in the Championship.

A World Cup place is unlikely. The left back was left out of Ottmar Hitzfeld's recent squad to play Uruguay next week, and has not featured for the Swiss since 2004. Not only this, but edging out Ludovic Magnin, Reto Ziegler and Christoph Spycher is a feat that is all but impossible without injuries.

And he knows it too. 'I'm ready but there is not much time left so it'll be difficult.

'I will be focused on Leicester for the next few weeks and if my country call me up I will be ready.'

At 32 Berner is no spring chicken; his last chance with the national side may be about to pass. But loved at the Walkers, he should unquestionably take great heart from his performances in the Royal Blue this season.

And who needs the World Cup anyway? Rumour has it there's a promotion bid about to break out...

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.