Young English-born trialist Chris Birchall was on Monday named as Port Vale’s “Young Player of the Year” in what was a timely accolade for the promising midfielder ahead of his entry into the National Team for training later this month.
Additionally, Birchall’s whose mother is Trinidad-born, was offered a new contract with the English League Two club and is expected to play an integral role in the club’s ambitions next season.
Port Vale manager Martin Foyle credited the 20-year-old for his continued signs of development this season.
“Chris has a super attitude and has shown a lot of promise. He only played one game last season, but has come into his own when he had his chance. Hopefully he can carry things on next year,” Foyle said.
Birchall has appeared 36 times for Vale this season scoring six goals in the process.
Looking ahead to first stint under new coach Leo Beenhakker, Birchall was enthusiastic but say he would not get carried away by the call.
“It’s a great thing to have received the invitation and obviously I want to put my best foot forward with the rest of the boys from Trinidad and hopefully become a part of the team,” Birchall told TTFF Media. “It’s going to be an important time for the team with the games coming up and I will try my best to fit into things and make a valuable contribution.”
Birchall is expected here on Tuesday along with Crewe Alexandra goalie Clayton Ince.
Former England international John Barnes commented on the growing number of T&T Nationals plying their trade in England, saying that he felt it was an obvious plus to the National Team.
“They are in different parts of England and I don’t know all of them personally but they have done well for themselves. I know Dwight because I see him socially and Russell as well. But I do watch the rest of them, particularly Kenwyne Jones and it’s important for them to make progress. Playing in England is vital for them to get the exposure at a higher level. As much as people tend to criticize when these players come back into the team from the foreign leagues, I think there’s no point arguing that because most times they are coming back from a higher standard. They will definitely improve from a professional and individual perspective and technically also without a doubt. Once they come back with the right attitude and application to play for Trinidad then it’s all good. They must not come back and think they’re just better than the rest and can walk into the team,” Barnes said.