TT football stars staying for training

Trinidad and Tobago football coach Bertille St Clair will attempt to take full advantage of the few extra days he will have with several overseas-based professionals before they return to their clubs for pre-season training early next month. St Clair have named a squad of 25 players to resume training at the Marvin Lee Stadium tomorrow from 9 am which includes Birmingham City striker Stern John, Falkirk’s Brent Rahim, Crewe Alexandra goalkeeper Clayton Ince, Rangers defender Marvin Andrews, Dundee United striker Jason Scotland, Wrexham’s Hector Sam, Anthony Rougier and US College-based strikers Scott Sealey and Daryll Roberts.

The UK-based pros, particularly Andrews, will be aiming to make a good first impression at his new club. John will also be facing stern competition for a spot in the Birmingham starting team and Ince who has already been warned by club manager Dario Gradi. The trio would have normally returned to their club even before the start of pre-season training in attempt to settle again but they have all vowed to remain home for the extra days in order to train with the national team. TT are preparing for upcoming friendlies against Thailand and South Korea to be followed by the first semi-final round qualifier against St Vincent and the Grenadines on August 18. Dundee defender Brent Sancho, US-based striker Cornell Glen and Carlos Edwards have already left while English-born midfielder Andre Boucaud has had to return to England to sort out his new contract with Peterborough.

“I think it’s important that we keep together at every possible opportunity. The guys realise how important it is to make the sacrifices too and this can only serve the team well,”  John said on the decision by the players to make themselves available for a few more sessions. Squad for training: Clayton Ince, Kelvin Jack, Duarance  Williams, Jan Michael Williams, Marvin Andrews, Atiba Charles, Keyeno Thomas, Marlon Rojas, Kenwynne Jones, Derek King, Anthony Rougier, Angus Eve, Michael Celestine, Kerry Baptiste, Densil Theobald, Silvio Spann, Brent Rahim, Kerwyn Jemmot, Marvin Oliver, Stern John, Jerren Nixon, Jason  Scotland, Hector Sam,  Scott Sealy and  Darryl Roberts.