by DAVE MARTINEZ

At long last, Luke Rodgers has secured his American work visa.

Now the question is, who will be looking to retain his services?

The diminutive English striker became the object of admiration for New York Red Bulls fans back in 2011 — and an unlikely one at that. Coming out of preseason, fans grimaced at the idea that a 5’8″ striker from the lower leagues of England would be charged to shore up their front line alongside club legend, Thierry Henry.

However, the fiesty Birmingham sparkplug (aptly named “Tank” by his teammates) won over the fanbase with his tremendous workrate and goalscoring ability, finding net nine times in 26 appearances on the season.

Unfortunately, a late season playoff run — and a clerical oversight in the Red Bulls’ front office — forced Rodgers to miss a vital visa-renewal appointment, thus sending the Englishman out of the Red Bulls and Major League Soccer for good.

Now 33-years-old, Rodgers has finally secured a one-year visa — and he is looking for redemption.

“It’s actually a lot harder than people think to get a visa now,” Rodgers tells EoS. “I tried four times and the last attempt got granted and took nearly four years!

“I didn’t give up on trying as I knew I was the right candidate for it to be granted — plus the hope of getting back to MLS always kept me going. It may never happen, but if there is one small chance, then in my eyes, it’s worth it.”

Rodgers has featured on five clubs since leaving New York, spanning five different divisions and three different countries. He was originally allowed to sign a half year deal with Lillestrom of the Tippeligaen while New York attempted to sort his visa issues. When that was not realized, he moved on to Portsmouth and Shrewsbury Town before turning to Hammarby in Sweden and back to Forest Green in the English lower leagues.

Rodgers took a year away from the game in 2015, working on his fitness and looking into potential coaching badges. Still, he has always kept an eye on his Red Bulls, following MLS on a daily basis — and never abandoning hope of a return.

“I always follow the Red Bulls. I have the app on my phone that gives me all updates. I’ve actually turned into a fan!” he said. “It’s great to see them doing so well and I really hope they win the MLS Cup.”

While he looks upon the team’s current success with soft eyes, his abrupt end with the club is a memory that never lingers too far behind. “It was really hard for me not being able to return, especially after I had a good season with the Red Bulls and loved being in America,” he explained. “I miss the little things like the national anthem before the games, all my teammates and friends. I still keep in touch with a few of them but I still miss it.”

Rodgers turns 34 at the turn of the New Year, and he recognizes that his age may close doors — especially in the world of modern football. However, with a visa at hand, the English striker hopes to prove his merit, whether in MLS, NASL — or with whatever team chooses to put their trust in him.

“I haven’t really set any targets and I’m realistic in realizing that my chance may have gone now,” he said. “All I know is that I’m fitter than ever and know I can still score goals and work hard for the team, so I’m just keeping my fingers crossed and hoping something might pop up.

“I’d love to have one more chance as I still feel I have unfinished business in America due to the sudden end last time. Fingers crossed.”