Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

Reggae Boy Luton Shelton. - File

National striker Luton Shelton has been selected by football's world governing body, FIFA, to play in a World XI All-Star game against China's national team on July 1 at Hong Kong's National Stadium.

Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) press officer, Garth Williams, disclosed that technical director Velibor 'Bora' Milutinovic was "quite instrumental" in getting Shelton selected to the All-Star team.

When contacted yesterday, Shelton said he was delighted at the opportunity to parade his skills against some of the best players in world.

"I am very delighted because this is a big opportunity for me to be getting to play alongside some of best players in the world, and if I do well in this game it will attract a lot a big teams," said Shelton, a former Harbour View FC player who is now contracted to Sheffield United, which played in the English Premiership last season.

Big honour

Shelton made a $2 million transfer from Swedish club Helsinborg to Sheffield United in January after a prolific six months in the Scandinavian country, where he played alongside the Swedish legend Henrik Larsson.

"It's a big honour for me to get this opportunity to go out and play for my country, for myself and for my family," added the former Wolmer's Manning Cup star. "I now have to just go out there and enjoy myself and see what happens from there because I can get another opportunity to play for a big team, you never know, so it's really a big honour for me."

Shelton added that his ultimate goal for next season was to help Sheffield win back promotion to the Premiership.

"I am not going to promise anyone anything, but as long as I get playing time, I know I will do well, because I want to help the club to get back to where they were last season," he said.