TT counting down to kick-off

Beenhakker’s voice rose from time to time during yesterday’s morning-session as he led his team through an intense workout.

And from all indications, despite the sweltering heat, it was one of the more satisfactory rehearsals during the camp thus far.

The weather conditions seemed to pose no problems as the players have been relaxing at the Crowne Plaza but none the less fatigued following the intense sessions.

Beenhakker has been stern on ensuring that the players utilise the break to rest in their respective rooms after lunch before the evening session which commences at 5.30 pm. Team doctor Terrence Babwah, trainer Wayne Lawson and physio Zeph Nicholas have also continued their routine checks on specific players with needs for treatment or massages.

The goodwill for the team has picked up over the past two days as guests and business persons at the hotel grab the chance to greet the players and wish them good luck.

But Beenhakker has obviously realised this flow and while he has not placed a ban on the fans, he has reminded his players not to allow too much distractions ahead of the all important match.

For the departures of the team bus of every session so far, the traffic on Wrightson Road has notably slowed down and car horns have been blaring at every sight of Dwight Yorke and his Warriors.

Fans have had to be turned away from the stadium as well due to the request for closed-door sessions by Beenhakker but none have built a pressure realising that the experienced Dutchman must have his reasons for the closed up workouts.

One player who has certainly fitted back into the team after a four-month layoff has been US-based striker Cornell Glen who earned a recall for the play-offs.

Much had been speculated over his omission recently but his enthusiasm represents what the mood in the Warriors camp is less than 48 hours before kick-off.

"Myself and the coach had a good chat on Tuesday and whatever differences I thought there may have been, I could say now that I’m seeing things clearer. He told me what the problem was and that it is now up to me to do what is needed for the team and to play the football," Glen told TTFF Media.

"He spoke about it being all about the team and he didn’t have reasons to make much changes over the last few matches because his focus was on building this team and that once I can do it now then he can see me as part of it," Glen said.

Glen will be keeping his hopes up to get into the squad which will don their new adidas strip in tomorrow’s showdown.

"I think generally the mood has been a very good one. Everyone one is on the same track and wants to do the same thing. I don’t expect anything different," Beenhakker told TTFF Media.

"It’s the same all the time and the fans who have given us fantastic support have every reason to be excited and behind the team.

As I said I don’t think the time difference or the short space of time has been a problem or will turn out to be one because we have guys who are well experienced and prepared and have done it before playing in different parts like Japan and Australia," Beenhakker said.

Yorke meantime said he was feeling fresh as ever and seemed pumped ahead going into the eve of the match.

The TT team will have up until 10 am for breakfast today and there will be the usual team meetings during the course of the day and a final session will take place from 5.30 pm while Bahrain will have their run out on the pitch afterwards.