Legendary soccer stalwart Randy Horton has become the first Bermudian to be officially recognised for his feats on the field of play in the United States.

The current Minister Without Portfolio and former Bermuda international, Somerset Trojans, New York Cosmos, Washington Diplomats and Hartford Bicentennial striker has been chosen as one of 12 nominees for the US Soccer Hall of Fame.

Jill Renwick, speaking yesterday on behalf of the New York-based National Soccer Hall of Fame, said that Horton is among a list of nominated world-renowned ex-players and people who have had close ties with soccer.

"We now have that list and various sportswriters etc. will be approached to cast votes for three from the list, and from the short list of three people, two will be eventually going into the Hall," she said.

"The National Soccer Hall of Fame recognises players on the individual's record, ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character and contribution to the game. Additionally it also recognises builders that include administrators, media people, coaches and management for major sustained positive impact on US soccer."

Horton will probably be recognised most for the few years he played with the Cosmos, playing alongside of the great Brazilian Pele. It was with the team that the Bermudian, one of the greatest goalscorers and headers of the ball that Bermuda has ever produced, also won the North American Soccer League's Rookie of the Year award.

While it remains to be seen what support Horton will get from current sportswriters in the United States next month in order to become shortlisted, he was nevertheless pleased to hear that he had at least gained recognition from the outset to become considered.

"I am definitely very excited to be thought of when you talk about hall of fame, I truly feel overwhelmed about it all. I was surprised when contacted. I know that I had made a contribution to the game of soccer and all of this was a pleasant surprise," said Horton.

"It's an American national hall of fame for people who have played there, but I think they take into consideration what a player had done in their country as well.Whatever the case I am indeed honoured to have been thought of."

Horton played with the professional American teams from 1970 to 1976.

Bermuda Football Association president Neville Tyrrell said that all of Bermuda was aware of Horton's achievements on the field of play, both at soccer and cricket, and he felt everybody would be pleased to see him recognised in this fashion.

"I am thrilled to hear it, certainly Randy has had what we all consider to be a very, very long and distinguished career in sport and in soccer in particular, locally and overseas. It is something well deserved and it certainly says a lot for our little country itself that we have that calibre of person around who can benefit from something as major as this,'' said Tyrrell.

"I am indeed happy for him and like everybody else in the Island the BFA will be keeping our fingers crossed in hope that he does get in. He has always performed at a high level, both home and abroad and would be well deserving of a place in the American Hall of Fame."

The final balloting for the short list will be done on June 25 and the two winners will enter the Hall of Fame on the weekend of October 24.