US-based players Makan Hislop and Kevin Crooks have both joined the national Under-20 team in training for the Group A qualifiers in the 2005 CONCACAF Under-20 World Youth Championship Qualification along with Costa Rica, Panama and the host USA.
Contacted yesterday Corneal said, “We are delighted to have these guys join the squad and at the same time we are hopeful that Abiola Sandy and Clevon George will also join in the sessions”
“They (Sandy and George) have not contacted the manager, but it is understood that they are in the country.
However it will be understandable if the Sandy and George, (both ex-St Anthony’s College players) do not accept the offer.
“These guys are coming off their collegiate seasons in the USA and returned home for a period of relaxation.”
Our sessions which are sometimes held twice a day is very intense at the moment and if they don’t feel they are prepared to work that hard we understand.”
Corneal also noted that proposed friendly matches against South American countries Venezuela or Colombia are yet to be finalised.
“We have not been able to confirm these matches, and if they do not materialise we will make do with some warm-up matches against local clubs until we finalised some international encounters.
Corneal will be hoping for a speedy resolution to the as the young “Soca Warriors” begin their CONCACAF series on January 12 against USA in California followed by matches against Costa Rica (January 14) and Panama on January 16.
T&T advanced to the final round after a 6-5 aggregate win over Cuba following a 3-2 away win and a 3-3 draw at home.
Group B of the CONCACAF series be to be played in Honduras from January 26-30 involves Mexico, Canada, Jamaica and the host Honduras and will be played at the Francisco Marazan Stadium.
The top two teams from each group qualify to 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands from 10 June – 2 July.
The T&T Under-20 boys continuing training today (Tuesday) at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva from 9am while an afternoon session is carded for 1.30 pm.