Just ask Vladimir Weiss, who joined Bolton on loan from Manchester City this year to further his education as a right winger of rich promise.

The 20-year-old admits he found it difficult to convince a sceptical public and media back home in Slovakia that he made it into the national team on his ability alone and not because his dad, who shares the same name, is the coach.

Now, though, Weiss feels he is winning the cynics over as the nation are heading for the World Cup in South Africa - the first time they have reached the finals of a major tournament.

Weiss, who made his debut in a friendly against Iceland last August, found himself being criticised before he even kicked a ball.

He told Press Association Sport: "It was worse then than it is now. I wasn't getting that many games at Manchester City so for my dad to pick me, it must have been a very hard decision.

"There were no problems at all with the other players but there were always people back home not really happy about it.

"I had to prove myself to them and I think that is what I have done with my performances."

The turning point for Weiss came in the crucial qualifier against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park in September, a ground where England, Spain and Sweden had lost in competitive matches in recent years.

He gave an impressive display in the 2-0 victory against the hosts, setting up the opening goal for Stanislav Sestak with substitute Filip Holosko sealing the victory.

Even though Slovakia then lost to Slovenia, they clinched top spot by beating Poland in their final match.

Weiss said: "It was just brilliant in Belfast. People at home were not too sure about us because of the teams that had lost there.

"But we made it really easy as well. That was our best game in the whole journey. After that we knew we needed only one point out of two games and we managed to get that.

"I have succeeded in staying in the squad and am trying to do my best so I can go to South Africa."

Weiss is a third generation international. His dad played for Czechoslovakia in the 1990 World Cup finals in Italy while his grandfather, also called Vladimir, also represented the nation in the 1960s.

Young Weiss, though, was nearly lost to another sport, as he explained.

"When I was young in Bratislava I played ice hockey for three years as well until I was 10 or 11, " he said.

"We were the best team in Slovakia. So It was a very difficult choice for me.

"Football was in the family and I loved it a bit more. I chose football and have not had any regrets."

Weiss is convinced Slovakia can make it through to the second stage in South Africa - they are in Group F alongside reigning champions Italy, Paraguay and New Zealand.

He said: "We can play nice offensive football and definitely carry a threat. We are going to South Africa expecting to make an impact.

"I am glad we are starting against New Zealand. We have to win that game and hopefully by succeeding it will give us confidence.

"This is a first for Slovakia so anyone who gets on the pitch will be giving it everything."