Samuel, Murphy keen to be Soca Warriors

Samuel, a 24-year-old left full back who has played for England Under-21s, has appealed against FIFA’s ruling that he is too old to switch allegiance.

The TT Warriors are in England’s group and Samuel told his club’s website, "The World Cup draw opens up the possibility of a real dream coming true.

The appeal is still going through and I’m keeping my fingers crossed."

Samuel was born in Trinidad but represented England at Under-18 and Under-21 level and was called up to their senior squad for last year’s friendly against Sweden, although he did not play.

A player can request changing the association for which he is eligible to play but only up until his 21st birthday. But he insisted, "I do feel Trinidadian and the chance to appear for them on the biggest stage and play against England is mouthwatering.

But I don’t want to think too much about it until I know whether it is going to happen."

Samuel continued, "I’ve played for the England Under-21s and I’m sure some people will accuse me of jumping on the bandwagon but I feel Trinidadian and want to play for them. "I was born in Trinidad and it would make me proud to play for them."

FIFA explained that while players can switch allegiance if they have not represented a country at senior level, they must do so before the age of 21.

"We have noted that Samuel has not played for the England senior team but also that he was born in 1981," said FIFA’s Heinz Tannler. "In principle, a player can request once changing the association for which he is eligible to play international matches — but only up until his 21st birthday — and Samuel is 24."

Murphy’s case is more straightforward, as the 29-year-old indicates that his mother has Trinidadian parentage and is currently the holder of a TT passport. Murphy contacted the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation last Friday when he saw on their website that coach Leo Beenhakker is keeping an eye out for players eligible to represent the squad.

Described as a strongly-built forward who is effective in the air, Murphy stated, "I think I could make a good addition but I can only prove this if I have some means of showing this."