TIM Ream returned to the US starting line-up for the first time in four years in their Gold Cup victory over Haiti, insisting his game has come on leaps and bounds at Wanderers.

Not since the 2011 Gold Cup had the Whites defender featured from the start of a game for his country – that before he made the £2.3million switch from New York Red Bulls.

But when Jurgen Klinsmann overhauled his entire back four for Friday night’s group game, the 27-year-old finally got the opportunity he had been waiting for.

“It’s been a while,” he told the US press. “It’s been a long four years with the move over to Bolton. It’s all kind of come full circle now for me. I’m enjoying playing, I’m enjoying being with this group and enjoy being at the Gold Cup again.”

Ream clawed his way back into Klinsmann’s plans after two ultra-consistent seasons at Wanderers, but has had to be content with cameo appearances from the bench of late.

It is a very different experience from the Macron Stadium, where he has been one of the first names on the team-sheet for Neil Lennon and his predecessor Dougie Freedman.

But Ream believes he has improved as a player since swapping the Big Apple for a Bolton team slipping into the Championship.

“You grow as a player,” Ream said. “I was young, in the middle of my second year in MLS. I’ve grown leaps and bounds. The way I play, the way I position, just everything about my game is matured, especially with moving over and being challenged right away in England.”

Klinsmann has come in for some stick on this side of the pond for overlooking Ream in the past couple of years, particularly at last summer’s World Cup finals.

Yet the German coach was pleased with the way he responded after Haiti had pressed forward in the early stages of the game in Massachusetts.

“I think it took a little bit of time for Tim to get into that game,” said Klinsmann. “Then, in the second half he was calm, he was controlled and played a good game. It was difficult for him the first 20-25 minutes because they were all over the place. It was tough on our back line.”

Clint Dempsey’s goal proved the difference, meaning the US top their group and have no pressure on the final group game against Panama on Monday evening in Kansas.

That could mean another chance for Ream to start – which would be good news for Wanderers, who are relying on the defender to return later this month in top shape for the Championship campaign.

“I was joking with a few guys in there that it’s been about nine weeks since I played 90 minutes,” Ream said. “First of all, to get the start was great for me. Coming on the last couple of games in substitute appearances is nice, but to start a game and to be in it from minute one is always good for a player, especially myself. To be out there starting, getting the win and getting the shutout is a great feeling.”