English-born Birchall joins TT ‘Warriors’

The federation invited Birchall following the advice of advisor Austin ‘Jack’ Warner and he was contacted by English agent Mike Berry. Arrangements are now being finalised for Birchall to join the team so new Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker could have a look at him.

The 20-year-old Birchall who stands 5’ 9" is currently negotiating a new contract with Port Vale, the club he has been attached to since age nine. The official Portvale website describes Birchall as a "pocket-battleship on the right".

"His belligerent style, often compared to former Vale star Gareth Ainsworth, has already appeased the fans and Chris has given notice to be a performer to be reckoned with this term."

So far this season he has scored six goals in 27 appearances for Vale. His last was in a 5-0 romp over Barnsley on Saturday last, and the BBC described that goal with the following words:

"Birchall opened the scoring after exchanging passes with Lee Matthews and smashing home a 25-yard half-volley."

"It’s just a real privilege to get a chance to try out with the Trinidad and Tobago team and I am really looking forward to it.

To say the truth, I was a bit nervous at first when the call came but now I’m just really anxious to get down to Trinidad and start training with the rest of the boys and hopefully be able to make a contribution to the World Cup effort," Birchall said yesterday.

Birchall’s mother, Jennifer, was born in Port-of-Spain before moving to England where she met the player’s English father. Birchall has lived in England all his life and has never visited Trinidad.

Travel arrangements have already been completed by Warner and he is expected here on May 10. Beenhakker was briefed on his availability yesterday and will have him in the training squad during the next month.