NATIONAL midfielder Brent Rahim is trying to cement a first-team pick as the CONCACAF World Cup Final Round qualifiers heat up. But the 26-year-old playmaker will also be keeping his fingers crossed as he seeks to recover from an injured right knee, sustained during Friday night’s friendly international against Bermuda. Rahim noted recently that: “I’ve been back and, in the camp, it’s a good, positive vibe. “I’m getting used to the new coach (Leo Beenhakker) and just enjoying the sessions so far,” he added. Rahim is currently a free agent after his two-year contract with Scottish First Division champions Falkirk expired a few weeks ago.
“Basically, I’m going to be looking around, in Germany and certain places,” he said. “I’ll have to see how things go by June.” When asked about any specific clubs, he replied: “Not any that I want to disclose at the moment. I have to go and train, go on a trial basis and see how things turn out.” Trinidad and Tobago will host Panama at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, on Saturday followed by a trip to Mexico on Wednesday. According to Rahim, “these games are crucial, for me and for all the guys here. “It’s a big opportunity for us and we all realise how crucial it is, for our careers as well,” he continued.
“I think everybody will be taking a positive step towards these games coming up.” And it will be vital for Rahim to make an impression on the new coaching staff after inconsistent displays at the senior level. “I’ve been out of the team and I’ve been looking on at things,” he remarked. “With a new coach here and a new system, we’ve been trying to keep possession of the ball. “Tactically, in terms of my game, I’ve been trying to help the team (in the midfield),” Rahim affirmed.