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 There was plenty of due diligence on each side when the Fire considered adding forward Collins John to the roster earlier this year.

As the Fire checked out the 24-year-old former English Premier League prodigy, John asked around about the benefits of playing in Chicago and Major League Soccer.

"Grab it," was the response from Americans that John consulted.

The result so far is a promising union and a chance for John to regain the form that made him a star at age 19 before injuries and setbacks stalled his soccer career.

"I'm here and I'm happy," John said. "When I came to the club I felt welcomed straightaway. Obviously a big part was (Fire captain Brian) McBride. I knew him and he's a big player with the group.

"And to be close to someone like that, you're going to fit in much quicker than normally ... and the other guys have been awesome to me too."

Since joining the Fire in late winter, the native of Liberia has shown speed and a knack for maneuvering through opposing defenses. And during the Fire's first four MLS games — including three starts — he has been a strong presence around the net with seven shots on goal, one tally and one assist.

McBride and John were first paired at Fulham in Premier League between 2004 and 2007. They'll start their fourth Major League Soccer game together on Saturday when the Fire host Houston at 7:30 p.m.

"I think he brings power and he's a great finisher with the ball," McBride said. "And with that power, he's able to break free in tighter situations ... His talent is there and I think what he can provide our team is not only goal scoring, but a threat in and outside the box."

John was born in Zwerdru, Liberia, in 1985 as the West African nation descended into civil war and chaos. Thousands died and more than a million people were left homeless in a nation that is still struggling to restore civil society.

John's father was killed in the conflicts and at age 7, John became a refugee when his mother took the surviving family to the Netherlands.

Moving to Europe opened up soccer opportunities.

"My mom always pushed me to play soccer," he said. "I started in a local club and from that day I loved it ... Then all of a sudden, a lot of big clubs started watching me."

By age 17 he had signed with FC Twente, a Dutch pro team. Within two years he was in the Premier League with Fulham, an association that lasted from 2004-08 and included 95 appearances. He scored 20 goals in that span, including a team-high 11 in 2005-06.

But his production dropped after that and Fulham loaned John to two different British teams in 2007-08. He returned briefly to Fulham, but a thigh injured left him unfit to play, and he had no goals in a tenure that reportedly included disciplinary issues.

The Fire offered John a tryout during preseason training and signed him to a reported 18-month contract with options through 2013.

"His attitude has been perfect, he's fun to be around," McBride said. "He's a boisterous guy. He's a good teammate."

John is convinced the best is yet to come, perhaps even a triumphant return to Europe some day.

"I'm only 24, and I have a long way to go," he said. "Hopefully if I keep my body in one piece I can play another 13 years."

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