Having opted out of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, in part at the request of his club, Reading midfielder Bobby Convey says that the early start in summer training will be a boost for his club career as he looks to put last year's turmoil to rest.

"It is always a tough decision to choose one over the other," the mop-haired Philadelphia native told YA on Sunday. "I think for my career it was better that I come here and get a full preseason and give my coach here no excuse not to play me if I do well in preseason."

"I have two years left on my contract and Bruce [Arena] was very cool about it. After I spoke to him he wanted me to come back and prove to everyone in England that I could play on a full time basis here with Reading."

"It definitely stinks not being able to go to Gold Cup and play for the national team, but I think right now it was best for me to get a good preseason."

"It is better for me to be in preseason right now so can play throughout the whole season and be fit for the national team games as well since I will be playing here."

While many of his national team counterparts - including Reading teammate Marcus Hahnemann - have already begun trickling in from their MLS teams and from Europe for Bruce Arena's training camp, Convey has gotten an early jump on his preseason regimen with the Royals by reporting early to Steve Coppell's side.

"I am just getting back settled in England this weekend and we've had training everyday. I reported back this past Monday for fitness testing and we start full training tomorrow."

The hard-working Convey is also quick to nip in the bud any talk of animosity between himself and the head coach, putting to rest any notion of the oft-suggested discontent of his rookie European campaign.

"There are no communication problems or issues with the manager," he says. "It is just when you are not playing you are forgotten about a little bit, because he focuses on who is playing."

"I have just always been used to my coach pulling me aside and telling what I need to improve on and that is just not his approach."

"It is all part of the learning curve and he expects for you to know what you need to do to get in the team."

Last season, without the benefit of a full preseason to acclimate himself with the team and tactics, Convey made just 19 league appearances - most as a substitute.

Looking to put the past behind him, Convey is raring to go and committed to the task.

"Last year was the worst year of my career so far and I have been taught to fight back when you get knocked down."

"I know I can prove myself, and I think if the season starts well I will become more comfortable than just playing a game here a game there because I will be fit from the beginning."

"I am very confident that I am going to do well here this year because I have nothing to lose."