Former Leeds and South Africa captain Lucas Radebe has given his backing to Davide Somma as the striker prepares to make his debut for South Africa against the USA next Wednesday.

Somma, who ironically left Johannesburg as a 12-year-old to live in the United States, has been given his chance by new national coach Pitso Mosimane, who is trying to reduce the pressure on a player that few South Africans know much about.

Mosimane said: “The selection of Somma is part of my effort to increase the pool of players available to the national squad. He’s a good player and has been scoring goals for Leeds.”

Radebe backed the selection, saying: “I saw him against Doncaster and he was voted man of the match. He’s big and strong and good in the air. He could be someone who gives the national team an extra dimension.

“Davide is unknown but he is coming over to give it a try. It will be interesting to see how he gets on against USA because he has shown real interest in playing for the country.”

Somma faces real pressure for a place in the Leeds starting line-up following Luciano Becchio’s hat-trick at the weekend, followed by a hat-trick from Ross McCormack and a goal from Billy Paynter in the reserves’ 6-3 win over Hull on Tuesday.

McCormack, who has been sidelined for a month since joining from Cardiff City, was delighted to be among the goals again.

“It was just what I needed,” he said. “I’m still not feeling 100 per cent but that will come with games.

“It’s been frustrating. Coming from Cardiff I wanted to make an impression but I haven’t been able to do that yet.”