Football stars missing for Guatemala friendly

Trinidad and Tobago football coach Bertille St Clair will have the services of at least six overseas-based professionals for the upcoming friendly against Guatemala in Guatemala City on Wednesday. This is a plus for the national team considering that the match does not fall within the FIFA international calendar. This has ruled out Birmingham City striker Stern John,;Scottish-based trio of Brent Sancho;  Brent Rahim; Marvin Andrews; and Jason Scotland. However they should be available for the semi-final round qualifier against St Vincent and the Grenadines on August 18. The professionals available for the Guatemala friendly include China-based duo Arnold Dwarika and Gary Glasgow who were expected home yesterday and will train with the team at the Larry Gomes Stadium today from 2.45pm. Also scheduled to return is utility player Anthony Rougier.

The others include United-States based duo Cornell Glen and defender Derek Phillips as well as Conrod Smith of American A-League side Calgary Mustangs. They will link up with the team in Miami, USA en route to Guatemala on Monday. CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh defender Keyeno Thomas is also expected back this week following a trial in the United Kingdom. Goalkeeper Kelvin Jack is doubtful as he finalises a playing contract with Dundee FC in Scotland this weekend. Southampton Kenwyne Jones has reportedly sustained a groin strain and may be out of action for at least two weeks. Technical director Lincoln Phillips said it was a benefit to have a few of the overseas-pros for the friendly but stressed that it would be even more useful for the players who have been knocking on the door for first team selection. “Again it’s going to give the other guys a chance to play another 90 minutes. The South Korean trip was a great opportunity for them and they came through it well. Now the coach has another chance to see what these guys can produce,” he said.

“The fact is that we now  have some players stepping up and doing well. Then you have the younger ones also starting to do well and develop and the right time. The pool is getting bigger and better and includes some very promising young blood,” Phillips said. Having experienced players Rougier, Dwarika and Glasgow around is welcome, Phillips added, as the squad should benefit from facing a Central American opponent. “It’s not a FIFA day so it’s a plus being able to get some of the overseas guys. That is going to serve us really well especially as this match against Guatemala presents a chance for us to test ourselves against the Central Americans with their tricky short passing style,” the former outstanding national goalkeeper said. “We still have a problem in our inability to keep possession and we need to improve significantly in that area. The technical staff is aware of that and are putting things in place to rectify that problem,” said Phillips.