Caledonia AIA midfielder Akim Armstrong left Tuesday for Finland to join his club teammate and T&T left-back Aubrey David on trial at FF Jaro. Also due to head to Finland soon on trial is T&T national striker Jamal Gay.
A former Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive player, Armstrong will have a two-week trial at the club. He has been a key midfielder for Caledonia for several years and has also been in several Trinidad and Tobago training squads, though he is yet to break into the national team.
Armstrong missed most of the 2011-2012 season with a serious leg injury, but returned the following year, when he was named MVP in the 2013 FA Trophy final when AIA defeated Central FC 2-0.
Wednesday, Caledonia AIA head coach Jamaal Shabazz also revealed that Gay was fully recovered from a recent nose injury but was not used in Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Defence Force as a precaution with the trial upcoming in view.
“We want positive things for the club and we see getting the players into Europe as a step in the right direction,” Shabazz said. “ “It looks highly unlikely we will finish one or two in the Pro League this season, so it also gives as a great chance to blood and expose a few new players to football in the Pro League. “
Already at Jaro is former national youth team defender David, who has been on a one-week trial and actually played in a League Cup game when his club drew 1-1 with SJK.
“The system in Finland is a strange one which allows registered persons to play even when they are on trial,” Caledonia head-coach Jamaal Shabazz said.
David’s trial is reported to be going well, but no deal has yet been struck.
“David was actively involved in the attacks, making many good runs,’” it was reported on the club’s website.