TT footballers in closed-door session

Beenhakker requested such a move after learning that an estimated 60 journalists from the Central American nation are here to follow the fortunes of their team.

With striker Jason Scotland (replacement for the injured Kenwyne Jones) and central defender Dennis Lawrence (suspended for Saturday’s game but eligible for Wednesday’s qualifier against Costa Rica) expected to join the squad yesterday, Beenhakker conducted a morning session following which, the request was made to close the afternoon’s session for the media.

All eyes were focussed on the veteran playmaker Russell Latapy, who is expected to make a return to the international arena on Saturday.

English-born midfielder Chris Birchall noted that Latapy’s role will be crucial for Saturday’s match, as well as his development as a player.

"He still has it in him and me particularly as a younger player on the team," said Birchall. "I’m pretty sure I can pick up some pointers from him.

"He’s already been telling me how to get better on a few things and to have someone like that playing with you could only be a positive thing for us," Birchall continued.

Caledonia AIA/Fire captain Densil Theobald was adamant that, even with Latapy’s presence, the rest of the team will have to pull their weight to ensure victory on Saturday.

"The sessions have been full stretched so far and I think everyone understands what we need to do to get the results," Theobald said. "We have to remember it’s still a team of us trying to get it right,."

Meanwhile, the Guatemalan team is expected to arrive today and will have a lone practice session tomorrow. The squad, under coach Ramon Maradiaga, will be based at Kapok Hotel, St Clair.

Guatemalan team: Miguel Klee Coban, Luis Molina, Paulo Motta (goalkeepers); Angel Sanabria, Elmer Ponciano, Nelson Morales, Victor Hernandez, Selvyn Ponciano, Gustavo Cabrera (defenders); Fredy Thompson, Rigoberto Gomez, Maynor Davila, Julio Giron, Gonzalo Romero, Carlos Figueroa, Fredy Garcia, Guillermo Ramirez (midfielders); Juan Carlos Plata, Edwin Villatoro, Carlos Ruiz (strikers).