An even balance of players were finalised yesterday for a TT Pro League 20-man squad that will tackle visiting English League 1 club Walsall FC, on Sunday at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, from 7pm.
The English club will arrive in Tobago today before taking on a Tobagonian club Stokely Vale FC at the Plymouth Recreation Ground, on Friday, from 4pm, followed by the Pro League XI contest on Sunday.
Walsall will then wrap up its tour of T&T against host club Central FC on Tuesday, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, at 7pm. Defence Force coach Ross Russell was unanimously named the Pro League XI’s coach by virtue of winning the 2012-13 Digicel Pro League title.
Russell will be assisted by Caledonia AIA technical director and North East Stars head coach Angus Eve, both of whom were part of the team selection process.
Defence Force equipment manager Devin Elcock and trainer Mark Lewis will also serve in the technical department.
Goalkeepers Glenroy Samuel (Caledonia AIA) and Kevin Graham (Defence Force) will lead the 20-man squad, while defenders Nuru Abdullah Muhammad, Kareem Joseph (Caledonia AIA), Rodell Elcock, Ross Russell Jr (Defence Force), Kareem Moses, Kevon Villaroel, Elton John (North East Stars), midfielders Akim Armstrong, Nathan Lewis (Caledonia AIA), Jeremy Williams, Jayson Joseph (North East Stars), Mikhail Awai (St Ann’s Rangers), Gerrard Williams, Jomal Williams, Neil Benjamin (W Connection), and forwards Devorn Jorsling (Defence Force), Trevin Caesar, Marcus Gomez (North East Stars) were also selected.
“It’s a great opportunity for me as a coach in the league to coach a game against Walsall, an English club,” said Russell who believes that the greater opportunity is available to the players selected. He added, “It’s also an opportunity for the players of the league to be seen by an English team and showcase themselves to probably earn contracts.
“I think (the) game came at the right time. Our national team which is made up of some players from the league is in the United States for the (Concacaf) Gold Cup, so it’s an opportunity to show the depth of the Pro League by showcasing other players.”
Walsall FC led by coach Dean Smith, visiting on the invitation of Central FC, will also host coaching clinics that will coincide with their visit. On Monday, between 4-7 pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium, the Saddlers will allow local coaches to observe a training session and also facilitate discussions.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the club,” said Smith who will travel with an 18-man squad. “We had been looking for somewhere to go on tour since the end of last season and this fits in perfectly with our schedule. We will take part in three games and also get involved with the local community, so it’s going to be a really productive and worthwhile seven days,” said Smith.
Squad
Goalkeepers
Glenroy Samuel (Caledonia AIA), Kevin Graham (Defence Force)
Defenders
Nuru Abdullah Muhammad (Caledonia AIA), Kareem Joseph (Caledonia AIA), Rodell Elcock (Defence Force), Kareem Moses (North East Stars), Kevon Villaroel (North East Stars), Elton John (North East Stars), Mikhail Awai (St Ann’s Rangers).
Midfielders
Akim Armstrong (Caledonia AIA), Nathan Lewis (Caledonia AIA), Jeremy Williams (North East Stars), Jayson Joseph (North East Stars), Gerrard Williams (W Connection), Jomal Williams (W Connection), Neil Benjamin Jr. (W Connection), Ross Russell Jr. (Defence Force).
Forwards
Devorn Jorsling (Defence Force), Trevin Caesar (Caledonia AIA), Marcus Gomez (North East Stars).