FORMER TRINIDAD and Tobago striker Dexter Skeene and Ron La Forest were pleased with the showing of the national team who defeated Jamaica 2-0 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.
Following Tuesday evening’s game, Skeene said, “it’s always a good win for Trinidad when we play against Jamaica, back-to-back.”
The current Pro League Chief Executive Officer (CEO) continued, “you’re seeing the TT players showing a level of maturity. They also seem very organised and technically we’ve seen some improvements as well.”
He added, “the TT (based) players seem very comfortable and it augurs well for Trinidad and Tobago, and for the League as well. The League is able to produce the players who can step into the national program and deliver the kind of performance that is noteworthy. When you look at Rundell Winchester, he looked very good (on Tuesday) night. He look like somebody with a lot of potential. Joevin Jones (as well), these guys are really stepping up. It is really encouraging. They continue to work and things could only improve from here on end.”
Commenting on the retirement of midfielder Chris Birchall, Skeene stated, “Birchall has brought his style, aggression and tenacity to Trinidad (and Tobago) football. That killer instinct that he has, which is something that really fitted well with the team and a quality that is not too common here in Trinidad.
“It’s sad to see that he is going. I think he looks as though he can still play a couple more years. I wish him all the best and hopefully we can get another player who can fit into his shoes.”
Skeene pointed out, “hats off to Ataullah Guerra. For a couple of years now, I’ve been saying that he has been a player with loads of ability and he can break down a defence on any given day. The right players are now into the fold and you’re seeing the maturity of the players who have been exposed abroad now and coming back, and contributing towards the national team.”
According to La Forest, “we saw two different halves. The first half was a bit tight and in the second half, with the changes, (we had) a lot more room to play with, and we seemed to take advantage of that.”
In the forthcoming year, the ex-national and Defence Force forward noted, “this could only build on, young talent and so. I think once they stay together, we can see something for the future.”
And, regarding the retirement of Birchall, the Guaya United coach said, “we have talent to replace (him). Birchall played well, we appreciate that very much. We have tons of ability here also. We just have to work with them.”