Seabra stars but out vs SVG

BRAZILIAN-BORN midfielder Jose Luis Seabra was in the thick of the action as Trinidad and Tobago completed preparations for their Digicel Caribbean Cup match against St Vincent at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella today. But Seabra will have to sit in the stands and watch today’s match.  He is awaiting a reply from the Ministry of National Security and Immigration authorities on his application for Trinidad citizenship. He was at the stadium yesterday showing off his undoubted skills in  curling balls from all parts of the penalty box.

Despite his situation, coach Bertille St Clair still had him very much involved. And national skipper Angus Eve said, “I think he has been welcomed by all in the team and it’s a pity that we still can’t have him playing in a match for us. Eve scored the winning 84th minute goal when Trinidad and Tobago edged the Vincentians 2-1 in the semi-final round World Cup qualifier in Nov-ember. This time, however, Trinidad and Tobago will be without Brent Sancho, Marvin Andrews, Clayton Ince, Brent Rahim, Dennis Lawrence and Hector Sam, all abroad on club duty. Eve still expects his Soca Warriors to win today’s match which is timed to  kick off at 3.30 pm. New York/New Jersey Metrostars striker Cornell Glen completed his rehab on a strained hamstring with physiotherapist Zeph Nicoholas and is expected to take the field along with Nigel Pierre, Conrad Smith and Gary Glasgow.

And the experienced utility player Anthony Rougier will hope for good  support from Derek King, Anton Pierre, Marlon Rojas and Keyeno Thomas, while playmaker Kerwyn Jemmot, Densil Theobald, Atiba Charles, Leslie “Tiger” Fitzpatrick, Michael Celestine, Cyd Gray and Avery John will be hoping to make an impression as the February 9 showdown with the United States gets nearer. Duarance Williams is expected to start in goal with Jan Michael Williams as his deputy. St Vincent coach Zoran Vranes declined to practice at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, instead opting for a session at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya, Tunapuna. Another Digicel third round match takes place between Haiti and Cuba in Port-au-Prince today.