His last appearance came in a 1-0 defeat away to Jamaica in a friendly international in 2010 but defender Yohance Marshall is buzzing with anticipation ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s two upcoming friendly internationals against Argentina and Iran next month.
The former LA Galaxy player who made two appearances for the MLS club in 2009/2010, was one of the players making it to the national team for the first time since Stephen Hart took over as head coach last May. He will join fellow defenders Carlyle Mitchell, Radanfah Abu Bakr, Justin And Gavin Hoyte, Sheldon Bateau and Curtis Gonzales while Joevin Jones and Carlos Edwards can also serve in a defensive capacity.
“It’s good to be recalled to the national team and back in the mix again,” said the 28-year-old Marshall, who is also a former University of South Florida and St Anthony’s College player.
“Obviously for me it’s important because I made a return to the local scene with Central FC and I thought the season was pretty good for me and the club and obviously some of my teammates like Willis Plaza and Jan Michael Wiliams are in the national squad and we have the chance to team up with some of the overseas players and other local players. I’m very excited about the whole situation,” Marshall added.
Looking ahead to the Argentina and Iran games, he said that it was being seen as the game of a lifetime.
“Playing Argentina with the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero in the team is a dream come true for a lot of players. We have a fantastic opportunity to share the same field with them. The game itself is going to be extremely challenging but this is what we as professional players aspire to in our careers. I see this as a massive step going forward for our football. Iran as well is a powerhouse in Asia and that game will be a really good test for us.”
Hart conducted two sessions on Friday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium and will welcome both Carlos Edwards and US-based midfielder Kevan George into the camp as preparations continue in Port of Spain. Columbus Crew were unwilling at first to release the player because of the match dates falling outside of a FIFA window but later had a change of heart which will see George eventually joining the T&T squad.