Central signing Quintero confident

“I was always looking forward to playing pro football and I was preparing myself,” he said, in an article on the Pro League website. “The difference now is being more professional and the game is a bit faster. But I believe I can make a smooth transition.”

Quintero, who represented North East Stars reserves in the last two seasons, explained that he repeated school, El Dorado Secondary East, to improve himself academically hence his late entry into professional football.

The 19-year-old Blanchisseuse footballer signed a two-year agreement with Central last week, and already he has set his target for a place on the Trinidad and Tobago team.

“Although I’m delighted that TT have performed well at the (Concacaf) Gold Cup, it is clear to me that there will be changes in the squad in preparation for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers,” predicted Quintero.

He added, “(TT coach) Stephen Hart has a reputation for selecting young players and building a squad (which) will stay together for several years. I will be 24 when the 2018 World Cup is played so I feel this is the perfect season for me to break through to the national team.”

Central FC managing director and former TT international, Brent Sancho, believes Quintero “is on the cusp of the national team”.

“I would expect Stephen Hart to take a close look at him (Quintero) this season,” said Sancho, a former European-based footballer. “(Quintero is) strong, fast and has a great first touch. We’re very excited to have him at (our) club.”

Quintero, who represented TT at Under-17 and Under-20 levels, also has his target for Central.

“I will try my best to help the team from on top and put away my chances,” said the teenaged striker. “I want to try and help the team to the top three.”

Quintero said, “the best coach I’ve worked with so far is Michael McComie, and I’m looking

to improve my game further under coach Fenwick.”

Fenwick’s signings this pre-season also includes 17-year-olds Nicholas Dillon (promoted from the Central U-18s) and St Ann’s Rangers youth player Kevon Goddard along with 19-year-olds Dwight Pope (Shiva Boys College) and Javon Sample (St Anthony’s College). Also joining Central were former Rangers players Jamal Jack, Shem Alexander and Julio Noel.

Marvin Oliver, Darryl Trim, Carey Harris, Keion Goodridge and goalkeeper Marvin Phillip are the remaining players from the debuting 2012 Central FC squad at the beginning of last season. Also retained are the Tobagonian quartet of Rundell Winchester, Omar Charles, Darren Mitchell and Dario Holmes, along with Jason Marcano, Johan Peltier and Hector Sam who all joined the club during the December-January transfer window.