There are varying reports surrounding the alleged resignation of TT goalkeeper Clayton Ince from national team duties, following his omission from Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Panama at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
And now questions are being asked about the credibility of the decision to leave the lanky custodian out of the starting line-up for the crucial World Cup qualifying match with the Soca Warriors facing an uphill task in their next World Cup qualifier today against CONCACAF giants Mexico in Monterrey.
Today’s match will be televised live on the National Carnival Commission TV, and also on Radio 105 FM from the kick off time at 9 pm. According to Austin Jack Warner, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) Special Advisor, Ince tendered his resignation from the national team.
It was alleged Ince handed in his uniform and withdrew his passport after he was left out of the recent Panama clash. But Newsday learnt however, Ince who did not travel with the team to Mexico, has not in fact resigned and instead asked for a break from national duty because of an injured back. Ince has denied handing in his resignation.
But in another twist, a top football administrator said the situation is the beginning of the unfolding of stability within the team and staff. The goalkeeper’s grouse was that he could have played in the Panama match despite the minor injury.
Now the administrator is questioning whether the team’s physician Dr Terrance Babwah may have had any part in declaring Ince unfit for the game. This administrator, who asked not to be named, is of the opinion that such a decision should have come from the team’s doctor and physiotherapist.
Newsday was told the decision to leave Ince out of the team was made to avoid him putting too much pressure on the injury. Reports are that Ince will also miss a journey to the United Kingdom for the Unity Cup game against Jamaica.
Technical director Lincoln Phillips explained that the player was in fact advised to put whatever he wants to do in writing before meeting with officials of the football federation. Phillips, a former national goalkeeper expressed the view that it was sad such a situation happened following the team’s impressive performance against the Panamanians.
A cautious Phillips said he did not want to comment on something he did not know about, but confirmed speaking to Ince who informed him (Phillips) of his intentions. The City of Monterrey hovers approximately 3,000 feet above sea level, which is nowhere close to the 12,000 feet in Mexico City, but the Warriors are still expected to be affected by the high altitude.