St Clair warns TT footballers

Ahead of their World Cup qualifier against St Kitts and Nevis next week, Trinidad and Tobago Soca Warriors coach Bertille St Clair has warned players that no-one is guaranteed a spot on the team. Sinclair asserted that every player must earn his pick based on merit and he must give what is required on the pitch. Several overseas-based players, including English Premiership goalie Shaka Hislop, are expected to return for the match against St Kitts and Nevis. Three days later, TT engage Mexico. “Not because a player is based in England or China or the United States does it mean his selection is automatic and I expect that when the overseas guys return they will set an example for the home-based lads to follow,” St Clair said. He continued: “I have spent a lot of time with various clubs in England and over there when the ‘gaffer’ (manager) says jump, the player just asks, ‘How high?’

But sometimes over here you have to plead with players to train hard.” Stressing that discipline was the most important ingredient, he pointed out that several players selected to train with the squad had not yet attended a single session. “There is always some excuse. Either it’s too much rain, or it’s too hot, or they have to go out somewhere,” St Clair said. “There is no way that I will select a player who is not prepared to work hard and I will not excuse laziness no matter how talented a player may be. Local or foreign-based, it is one team and everyone must fight for selection.” St Clair concluded that the next match would be a critical one for the team, since the competition had reached a make-or-break stage. “This is a must-win match for us because full points will most likely guarantee us a place in the final round,” St Clair emphasised. “We still have a lot of work to do and the door remains open to all players as long as they are committed to the team and they are prepared to work hard.”