English-based duo Andre Boucaud and Justin Hoyte were among the first set of overseas-based players joining the Trinidad and Tobago national team camp yesterday as head coach Stephen Hart started training at the Hasely Crawford Stadium ahead of the upcoming friendly international against Argentina.
Also joining the training is captain Kenwyne Jones while former England under 20 player Gavin Hoyte is scheduled to arrive from London late yesterday.
European-based trio Radanfah Abu Bakr, Khaleem Hyland and Lester Peltier along with Canada-based defender Carlyle Mitchell and US-based Kevan George are all scheduled in later this week while Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino will join the team in Buenos Aires.
The other players present from the start of the training camp include goalkeepers Jan-Michael Williams and Central FC teammates Willis Plaza, Yohance Marshall, Ataullah Guerra and Rundell Winchester.
Defence Force’s Curtis Gonzales, and W Connection midfielder Joevin Jones.
Marvin Phillip, Marcus Joseph, Trevin Caesar and Densill Theobald are all missing due to the schedule of Pro League matches on Tuesday.
Boucaud, coming off the English season with Notts County, said he was focused on the task ahead.
“It’s obviously two huge matches for us,” Boucaud said.
“And it’s important for us to come together at least a week before. We haven’t been together as a team since last November when we played Jamaica but I’m pretty sure all the boys are very eager to give their best in the training camp and to get everything in place for the game against Argentina,” he added.
“We as players always live for occasions like this. It’s going to be a mighty challenge for us because Argentina is Argentina so there’s no other incentive needed for you to be ready for this kind of game and then of course we have the second game against Iran which is also a quality side,” said the 29-year-old who has fifteen appearances for T&T.
“I’ve had a good season. I have a couple options with clubs that are interested in me at the moment but right now the focus is on international football and putting my best foot forward for Trinidad and Tobago. All the boys are set on that at the moment,” he added.