Trinidad and Tobago head coach Stephen Hart says he is heartened by the response of the new players who made their debut in the national team set up this week as preparations commenced for Saturday’s International Friendly with Grenada in St George’s.
The players from Central FC joined the training camp on Tuesday after returning from Jamaica where they participated in the Caribbean Club Championship. Among them were Leston Paul, Marcus Joseph, Sean De Silva, Kevin Villaroeal, Andre Ettienne, Nathaniel Garcia, Jason Marcano and Marcus Joseph. Belgium-based midfielder Khaleem Hyland joined the camp on Wednesday.
Speaking about the preparations thus far, Hart said though he found some players to be a bit timid, it being their first time involved in a national team environment, he was generally pleased with their attitude and display.
“Actually the training sessions have been quite good. The players have looked sharp. Everybody is always eager in the first couple sessions and I have to be a very careful the load isn’t too high. But we did some possession stuff, quick playing and overall I was impressed with their response” Hart told TTFA Media.
“There is a little bit shy especially around myself .They have to get accustomed to some of the demands. You can see them hesitating at times and the good thing is that the older players are pushing them on.”
Hart commented on the shoulder injury to Jan Michael Williams who will sit out the Grenada friendly. But further checks by the national team medical staff on Tuesday revealed that the injury is not as bad as first thought and the Central FC custodian is likely to be eligible for selection for the World Cup qualifiers against St Vincent/Grenadines on March 25th and 29th.
“It’s a little bit worrying but it’s the nature of football where players are going to get injured. It’s like a cliché because it gives the opportunity to other players but you also have to be careful because you want the right balance in the end,” Hart added.
Meantime, DirectTV W Connection midfielder Hughtun Hector is beginning to find is footing again and he spoke about his return to the national team following a ten-month lay off due to injury.
“It feels very good to be back in national colours because it’s been a while being out with injury for about ten months. It feels good also to be back playing with W Connection, a club I have been playing with since I was 17. I spent five years outside and now it’s a joy to be back with them trying to help the club qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League,” Hector said.
“My first 90 minutes was with W Connection in the Club Championship a couple weeks ago and I was a bit nervous and uneasy at first but once I got into my rhythm I realized everything was okay and it was easier to play my natural game from then on,” added the former Vietnam-based player.
Tickets for the T&T versus St Vincent World Cup qualifier on March 29th are presently available for purchase. Tickets are priced at $300 for the covered section and $150 for the uncovered section of the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
These tickets can now be purchased at Sports and Games outlets nationwide, Kenny’s Sports (nationwide), Sportway at Ellerslie Plaza and Gulf City, Fan Zone at Centre City Mall in Chaguanas, Ramsingh’s Sportworld in Couva and Heritage Sports, Scarborough Tobago Tickets can also be purchased online via the TTFA’s official website – TTFootball.Org.
Videos -
Senior Men's Team start preparations for Grenada Friendly
Hector's Happy to Be Back - Warriors get Ready for Grenada Friendly
Trinidad & Tobago Squad
Goalkeepers
Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Marvin Phillip (Morvant Caledonia United).
Defenders
Alvin Jones (W Connection), Andre Ettienne (Central FC), Tristan Hodge (W Connection), Jamali Garcia (Defence Force), Kevon Villaroeal (Central FC), Daneil Cyrus (W Connection), Elijah Belgrave (Police FC), Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force).
Midfielders
Sean De Silva (Central FC), Jomal Williams (W Connection), Nathaniel Garcia (Central FC), Hughtun Hector (W Connection), Akeem Humphrey (Club Sando), Jason Marcano (Central FC), Leston Paul (Central FC), Khaleem Hyland (KVC Westerlo/BEL).
Forwards
Shahdon Winchester (W Connection), Jerwyn Balthazar (Defence Force), Makesi Lewis (Police FC), Marcus Joseph (Central FC).