Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Men, inclusive of several first timers, will be looking to stamp their authority on Caribbean opponents Grenada when both teams meet in an international friendly at the National Athletic Stadium in St George’s at 8pm.
Head Coach Stephen Hart has laid out his intentions heading into the match, explaining what his expectations are as it relates to easing some of his players onto the international stage. But he is aware that the two upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers against St Vincent and the Grenadines is top of the agenda and therefore a close eye will be kept on first squad regulars Belgium-based midfielder Khaleem Hyland, defender Daneil Cyrus and goalkeeper Marvin Phillip. But the home-based players will also be pressing for selection on the final World Cup squad for the qualifiers later this month. And Hart is keen to see what they can produce.
“Well it will be the typical sort of game, My concern in a game like this is how we play and how we control the game,” Hart told TTFA Media.
“Of course we want to win the game but I would be very disappointed if we play poorly, not doing what we are supposed to do and come away with a result, I will much prefer that we play well, we try to play a game like we are away from home, dominate the ball, dictate the entire game and get the result,” Hart added.
Two of the surviving players from past T&T Youth teams that played at the 2007 and 2009 FIFA Youth World Cups, Leston Paul and Sean De Silva are among those earning a recall from Hart. And both players are eager about the chance to show their worth during a World Cup qualifying year.
“It is a great honour again to represent Trinidad and Tobago. I’ve been able to do this at two youth World Cups and also get a couple call ups to the senior team before. The sessions we have had so far have been fantastic and we are really looking forward to this game against Grenada. It’s great for young players who are aspiring to play with the more senior players in the World Cup campaign. This gives them motivation and something to work towards,” De Silva stated on Wednesday.
“I expect a tough, physical game. Grenada has a couple players who play in the Pro League here so they will be familiar with our style of play,” De Silva added.
“The preparations were good, especially considering there were a lot of local guys involved, all trying to follow the coach’s instructions and work towards doing well for the country.
“it’s always a good feeling to be back after being away from the squad for a bit. I just come in and work as hard as I can. It’s up to the coach to make his decisions but football is a team sport but even though I’m not in the team, someone else is there trying to work and do well for the country at the same time which is what is important,” Paul said.
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.
Video: - Hart wants strong showing in Grenada Game