Trinidad and Tobago national goalkeeper Shaka Hislop admitted yesterday that his international form has been affected by his fall from favour at England Premier League club, Portsmouth FC.
The 35-year-old Hislop was relegated to the substitutes' bench for Trinidad and Tobago's last World Cup qualifier, a goalless draw at home to Costa Rica on March 30, after conceding five times in their 5-1 defeat to Guatemala, four days earlier.
Hislop, the country's only custodian to play in the England Premiership where he was first choice at Newcastle, West Ham and "Pompey", said that it was difficult to feel the same enthusiasm for the game following his sudden demotion at Portsmouth.
"The last four or five months have been frustrating to be honest," Hislop told the Trinidad Express. "I am very frustrated with my game and the current situation and I feel that I need to start back enjoying the game. I think that if I can get my enthusiasm back I will be in a position to represent my country better."
Hislop lost his place at Fratton Park after former manager Harry Redknapp, who signed the goalkeeper at West Ham and Portsmouth, quit the post before joining bitter south coast rivals, Southampton.
The managerial duo of technical director Velimir Zajec and coach Joe Jordan froze Hislop out of the starting line-up for much of this year-despite protests from his teammates-and he is unconvinced that a new manager might significantly improve his situation.
Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric Thursday appointed 48-year-old French coach Alain Perrin on a two-year deal with ex-Tottenham manager David Pleat as assistant, although Jordan and Zajec retain their respective roles.
Hislop, who knows nothing of Perrin and has never worked with Pleat, does not feel encouraged personally, although he is convinced that Portsmouth will avoid relegation.
"They said that there will be no changes this weekend until the new manager is able to assess his playing and coaching staff and decide who he keeps for next season," said Hislop. "I don't know where that puts me and I have to be honest and say that it is unlikely I will be here next season. I want to play for at least one more season and hopefully I can have a good summer's rest and return (to England) with renewed enthusiasm for the game."
However, Hislop reiterated his commitment to Trinidad and Tobago and revealed that he planned to assist the national team long after he hangs up his gloves.
The former St Mary's College goalkeeper already has his UEFA 'B' badge and should complete a goalkeeping 'B' badge in a few weeks. Hislop is considering work as a goalkeeping coach at the end of his career and plans to secure the remaining badges at that time.
Hislop initially planned to retire this May but was urged to reconsider by Redknapp and the former national technical staff duo of coach Bertille St Clair and manager Richard Braithwaite.
He insisted that he would not leave Trinidad and Tobago in the lurch and can still contribute as a player. But he confessed that it is not easy to separate his roles for club and country.
"I have to make a serious self-analysis as to my role within the (national) team and how best I can contribute," he said, "because my enthusiasm has waned in recent months. I certainly will remain available as a player.
"I feel I can help in other areas as well but whatever is required, I will give. I intend to be involved for a long time."