Forward thinking -- who scores in South Africa?

News that Charlies Davies was released from the hospital this week was welcome news to U.S. Soccer fans. Now the long journey begins for the Sochaux striker as he battles back to save his career after suffering life-threatening injuries. With Davies likely sidelined for the 2010 World Cup, it's never too soon to speculate on who needs to step up and score in South Africa.

Bob Bradley could do a number of things. Generally, with two men up top, you'd want to have a second striker up top with a target men in a flat 4-4-2. Assuming the U.S. sticks with this formation, there are a number of possibilities to play up top, and score goals, trouble opposing defenses, and more. Davies' injury has exposed a weakness in forward depth. Here are ten names:

Jozy Altidore: A striker with plenty of promise, he's shown an ability to defeat CONCACAF opponents. But translating that to success against higher-caliber opposition has been slower. It's encouraging that Altidore is playing in the Premier League, and barring a freak incident or injury, should be a lock for a starting forward.

Landon Donovan: At the peak of his game, perhaps shifting Donovan up top would provide threatening pace to go forward against opponents. However, shifting him there would remove him from a deeper position, limiting his playmaking ability.

Clint Dempsey: Not a bad option, as Dempsey has managed to score at a decent rate at his club team Fulham. Playing in a striker's position would suit Dempsey, because when he lumbers aroudn the pitch he won't hurt the defense like it does when he is on the wing. With Dempsey up top, Stuart Holden could shift outside in a starting role -- not the best option, but certainly worth a try.

Robbie Findley: Perhaps a player most reminiscent of Davies, Findley has similar skills. A small, pacy forward, Findley has thrived in a substitute role for Real Salt Lake this season. He's yet to prove himself on the international level, and Bradley doesn't seem too keen on him, but if he carries over his scintillating form into 2010, he could be a good option.

Kenny Cooper: If you're looking for a Davies clone, Cooper is the antithesis. This winter will be huge for Cooper's push for a World Cup roster spot. After transferring to 1860 Munich from Dallas in August, he's featured intermittently for the Bavarian club, as well as opening his account in a Cup match. Working himself onto Bob Bradley's radar will be tricky, but Cooper would be an option for the U.S. to boast a physical, imposing frontline in 2010.

Brian Ching: A savvy vet with the unfortunate reputation of a goal-scorer who doesn't score goals. If Bob saw he's tally against Seattle on Sunday, maybe that's reason to give the Hawaiian another chance. After all, he works hard, draws fouls, and tracks back well.

Freddy Adu: Can you even imagine? The once-golden boy of American soccer, leading a successful run in South Africa? I can't. Adu's playing time at his latest club Belenenses, has been nothing different than his other stints at Monaco and Benfica. Given his quickness and supposed skill, he isn't the worst option for a second-striker role.

Conor Casey: The bald battering ram of a striker doesn't really have the pace to succeed at a World Cup level. His astute finishing in Honduras was then eschewed for much horrible finishing at the qualifier at RFK Stadium, but will likely be on the plane to South Africa in May/June.

Eddie Johnson: Fingers crossed that a player who struggles to make the bench at a Premier League club would warrant a mention here. He's got the call-up for this week, and likely this week alone. It would take a lot for Johnson to all of a sudden regain a starting role or even appear for Fulham to be considered here. 

Jeff Cunningham: No thanks.

There's other names out there, but these are the obvious options. Chris Rolfe might make some noise when he goes to Denmark, or maybe there's another random, obscure striker who gets a call. Either way, there's plenty to discuss between now and next summer.