Mega-battle for ‘keeping spot

KELVIN JACK is very keen on cementing his starting spot on the national football team. The 29-year-old Jack featured between the uprights for Trinidad and Tobago’s recent CONCACAF World Cup Final Round qualifiers, against Panama on June 4 and Mexico four days later. But the Dundee FC goalkeeper earned his spot amidst some controversy, as it was felt that the incumbent Clayton Ince merited the number one spot. In a twist of events, it was reported that Ince had left the team in disgust after he learnt that Jack was preferred for the Panama clash.

But the lanky 31-year-old Crewe Alexandra goalie refuted those claims and made himself available for future selection. “I’m here to be number one, regardless of who is injured and who isn’t. I’ve come here to play,” Jack said. “No player likes being on the bench and I’m sure if Clayton (returns), he’ll want to get involved as well,” Jack continued. “And (that’s) the same thing with me. So I’ll just say it’s a mega-battle to see who’s number one.” The muscular Jack, who has struggled to secure a regular team spot ahead of the English-based Ince and Shaka Hislop, is delighted to be given an extended run with the team.

“It’s a good feeling to be back,” he said. “Nothing is a guarantee in football but all the players expect us to qualify (for the 2006 World Cup in Germany).” Speaking about the team’s 2-0 loss to Mexico, Jack noted: “I think we had a good chance to get something out of the game.” “Unfortunately it didn’t happen that way but I think there are a lot of positives to gain from the game and hopefully, next time we go, we’ll be able to gain (a better) result,” he added. “Obviously it’s always difficult to go to Mexico but as long as you go out and stick to your plan — although it’s difficult —  things become easy,” Jack continued. Commenting on the work done by coach Leo Beenhakker, Jack said: “We have a good (coach) in place. He gives instructions and we just try to go out and do it.”