Scotland, Rahim, Glen to face D/Republic

SCOTTISH-based players Jason Scotland and Brent Rahim, as well as US-based striker Cornell Glen, were included in an 18-member national team ahead of tomorrow’s second-leg clash against Dominican Republic. The CONCACAF World Cup Second Round qualifier will be contested at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella from 4 pm. Also included in the final 18 is Wake Forest University striker, former national Under-20 representative Scott Sealy. A knee injury has forced Carlos Edwards out of action for a few weeks while fellow winger Hayden Fitzwilliam, midfielder Kerwyn “Hardest” Jemmott and American-based forward Darryl Roberts were dropped from last Sunday’s first leg qualifier at Santo Domingo, where Trinidad and Tobago won by a 2-0 margin.

Two reserve strikers were also selected — veteran Jerren Nixon and the dreadlocked Marvin Oliver from L-Sporto Crab Connection. The team was announced following yesterday’s training session at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima, which saw the squad defeating Arima/Morvant Fire 4-1. Jemmott, Roberts and Wrexham striker Hector Sam also featured in yesterday morning’s match, as coach Bertille St Clair and his technical staff tried to find the right combination for tomorrow’s qualifier.

Scotland, coming off his debut season at Premier League club Dundee United, returns to the national fold for the first time since the team’s tour of Africa last July while Rahim, who plays for Falkirk in Division One, has fully recovered from a recent hamstring injury. Also making a complete recovery from injury is New York/New Jersey Metrostars forward Glen, who seems certain to partner Birmingham City striker Stern John up front in tomorrow’s clash. The squad will have their final practice session at 4 pm today at the Marabella venue.

Team: Clayton Ince, Daurance Williams (goalkeepers); Brent Sancho, Marvin Andrews, Keyeno Thomas, Derek King, Marlon Rojas, Kenwyne Jones, Dennis Lawrence (defenders); Angus Eve (captain), Kerry Baptiste, Densil Theobald, Brent Rahim, Anthony Rougier (midfielders); Scott Sealy, Stern John, Cornell Glen, Jason Scotland (strikers).