‘Soca Warriors’ not taking Vincentians lightly

TRINIDAD and Tobago football coach Bertille St Clair has indicated his intention to take nothing for granted in the closing semi-final round World Cup qualifying encounter against St Vincent and the Grenadines. He has called 11 overseas-based pros for the crucial match. Though needing to be beaten by three goals in the November 17 clash from 7 pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mu-curapo, St Clair has stressed that TT will by no means underestimate their opponents. Currently having more time for training with his group of local players, St Clair has also recalled US-based New England Revolution defender Avery John. He’ll be making a return to the team since being included for the match against Morocco in September 2003.

Also getting the nod is English-based Wrex-ham striker Hector Sam who last appeared against Venezuela earlier this year and has recently picked up great form playing for the “Red Dragons.” Coventry City striker Stern John remains on standby as he has not fully recovered from an ankle injury. The rest of the overseas contingent includes Brent Rahim, Clayton Ince (Crewe Alex-andra), Kenwyne Jones (Southampton), Ian Cox (Gillingham), Brent Sancho (Dundee), Mar-vin Andrews (Glasgow Rangers), Dennis Law-rence (Wrexham), Ant-hony Rougier (Nanjing Yo Yo) and New York/New Jersey Met-rostars striker Cornell Glen.

With Ince forcing his way back into the Crewe first eleven after 14 matches without a run, St Clair has called him as the only overseas-based goalie. As a result Shaka Hislop’s services have not been requested for this encounter. “Although we have one or two injury problems we are still able to field a very strong team,” St Clair said following a training session yesterday. “Now that the local season has ended we are looking for a convincing victory against St Vincent next week before moving into the Digicel Cup where we intend to use as a not only a warm-up for the final round but also as a chance to see some other faces that have been waiting for a chance.These guys know that it is important that we reach and maintain a standard as well as improve as we go along,” St Clair said.