Lawrence makes coaching debut today

TT head coach Dennis Lawrence oversaw a final training session at the Couva venue yesterday and expects to have a squad of players eager to face their opponents as preparations continue for the all important 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Panama and Mexico on March 24 and 28.

Assistant coach Sol Campbell was scheduled to arrive last night and is expected to be with Lawrence and his staff for the encounter with the Bajans.

“Like I said it will be exciting for the players as they get the chance to show us that they are worthy of selection for the two World Cup qualifiers. From a commitment point, they have given enough focus and attention to the work that we have tried to do.

Now it’s just about execution and it’s for the players to go out and concentrate on the work that we’ve done, also go out there and deliver,” Lawrence said.

Central FC midfielder Leston Paul is expecting the TT side to step up to the call.

“Things have been fantastic for the past couple of weeks.

We’ve put in a great load of work and having the new technology with the GPRS means we can now see where are at physically.

Coach has simplified his game so the guys have gotten a good hold of it,” Paul told TT FA Media.

“The sessions have been well planned and great all-round. It has been just enough to get us ready for international football,” he added.

As to how much the game today will play its part in the buildup to Panama and Mexico, the ex-national under-17 captain said: “I think every game is important.

It’s a new group of guys so everyone is ready to go to show themselves for selection.

“We know how important these two games are with regards to our qualifying chances and the players realise that and they all would like to be part of the effort. The coach has emphasised how important it is for us to be on top of our game at all times and to stay focused and ready at all times,” Paul added.