Lawrence wants purpose with the ball

However, he was quick to admit that there are areas that needs to be worked on by the squad, before they engage in a pair of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at home to Panama and Mexico, on March 24 and 28 respectively.

“I was quite pleased with a lot of the things and then I was also displeased with a lot of the things,” Lawrence admitted.

“The boys tried to implement some of the things that we’ve worked on, one in particular trying to maintain possession of the ball.” Lawrence, who made his international debut as a coach, continued, “I think in the last 25-30 minutes we lost a bit of direction with regards to keeping the ball with purpose and we started to keep the ball for keeping the ball sake. But that would come with time. It’s a young group.

“In general, I was pleased with the attitude of the boys, I was pleased with the effort that they tried to do the things that we asked them to do and I think it was a good night’s exercise for the boys. Most importantly it was working towards something because we’re working towards the Panama game. That’s the most important thing.” As far as the Panama fixture is concerned, Lawrence pointed out, “I think a lot of (the players) didn’t do themselves any harm and I’ll be assessing them in the next couple of days before I make any decision.” Lawrence clarified the use of his strikers, with Jameel Perry, Jamille Boatswain (who scored both goals against the Barbadians) and Akeem Roach all used in 30-minute intervals.

“The idea was I wanted all three of the strikers to play equal minutes,” he said. “I spoke to them before the game and I let them know they were all going to play 30 minutes and the only thing I asked of them was to give me 30 minutes of hard work. Don’t think of anything else.” English-born midfielder John Bostock was highly sought after by previous coach Stephen Hart but Lawrence admitted that he would not be under consideration for the forthcoming qualifiers.

“The John Bostock situation is I had numerous conversations with (him),” Lawrence said.

“John is very enthusiastic about representing Trinidad and Tobago. Unfortunately, at the moment, he’s not in a position to commit himself internationally.

“I have to accept John’s decision and I have to think about the group that I’m going to work with.”