Soca Warriors forward Kevin Molino is confident his teammates will come out with positive results in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers versus Guatemala and United States on November 13 and 17 respectively.
Speaking from Orlando, he gave his thoughts on the two highly anticipated fixtures.
“Of course I wish could be playing, but I believe the team has a good chance get off to a positive start in these two games without a doubt,” said Molino.
“Coming off the good Gold Cup performance and beating Panama in their own backyard, the expectation level is certainly high. Under the continued guidance of the excellent coach (Stephen) Hart, I know he will do what’s necessary to make sure the team is ready for these encounters.”
The games against the US is carrying much interest after the Jurgen Klinsmann-coached side lost to Jamaica in Gold Cup semi-final and to fierce rival Mexico in the 2017 Confederations Cup play-off match in October.
They are also missing star forward Clint Dempsey for the Trinidad game after Klinsmann decided to rest him.
Molino said his American teammates have been buzzing about the clash.
“Since I began doing field work, a lot of my Americans teammates in my locker room have been speaking of the game.
Brek Shea, who I’m very close to, is in the the USA squad so there is certainly hype up here about it.
“This game vs very emotional for Trinidad, given the well known events of the famous Strike Squad in 1989. Of course they (national team) can’t worry about what the USA is going through, but no doubt the players are aware of what playing and potentially beating USA at the National (Hasely Crawford) Stadium in November would mean to the Trinidad and Tobago football public.”
The 25-year-old is hoping his recovery will see him be fit for MLS pre-season training in January with the aim of being involved in the World Cup qualifier versus St Vincent and the Grenadies next March.
He also backed Keron “Ball Pest” Cummings to continue doing a good job in the midfield role that Molino had made his own before injury.
“That’s where I played of course before injury, but I’d just want to say I don’t own the position.
I’m happy to play in whatever role coach Hart see’s fit when I return,” stated a humble Molino.
“But Keron has been doing fantastic, not everyone can do what he did versus Mexico (three goals in two games) . He is doing well on the defensive side of his game - an area which coach Hart is always keen on his midfielders to perfect also.
It could be a big two games and campaign for him to be further noticed and go to a bigger overseas club.”