Beavers centre-back Rob Paris has vowed to get even fitter after being taught a lesson by Anguillan international skipper Brian Connor.

The 29-year-old made his international debut in last week's 12-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to El Salvador after his uncle - former pro Alan Paris - answered an advert for players in a Slough newspaper.

Statistics show that 83 per cent of Anguillans who emigrate head for the Berkshire town, where Paris was brought up.

And the computer engineer was one of a strong British contigent, including ex-Beaver Connor and three other Slough natives, who headed to Miami to play in front of an estimated 40,000 fans.

Paris believes the experience, which saw him land in the UK 24 hours before taking the field in Saturday's 2-2 Blue Square South draw with Basingstoke Town, has taught him the secret of a long career.

"Thinking back, it was an amazing experience. Every goal they scored, the crowd cheered like it was the first," he said.

"The Anguillan FA is only about 20 years old and they have no understanding of what football at that level is all about. I was one of the highest-ranked players.

"Considering they started looking for players only a month before the match, it was interesting.

"With my experience of football here, I would like to help the country improve their football as a whole if I can. They can only get better.

"The experience has taught me a lot about my fitness.

"Brian is 38 years old and still the fittest player I have ever played with. He never gets tired.

"That is something I really want to take away from this and, hopefully, I can play for that long."

Paris, who was also eligible for Carribean rivals Nevis, is not convinced the return leg against the South Americans will take place in September.

But, for now, the towering defender has set his sights on securing a play-off berth with the Beavers, although he has not yet ruled out automatic promotion ahead of Saturday's clash with former club Maidenhead Town.

"Our aim was survival at the start of the season, but goals change," he added.

"We have played all the teams in this league and I would still say we are one of the best sides.

"It would be a big disappointment if we did not make the play-offs now. If we can start a run like we last year's, we could even win the league."