TRINIDAD & Tobago boss Leo Beenhakker will closely monitor the progress of Ricky Shakes after the Town winger’s international debut in last night’s 2-0 win over Iceland.
The Dutchman was keeping his cards close to his chest in the aftermath of Shakes’ bow on the world stage – but did praise the ex-Bolton man as “a very talented player.’’
Beenhakker, whose ‘Soca Warriors’ will battle England, Sweden and Paraguay in their World Cup group in Germany this summer said: “He (Shakes) is a very young guy.
“I’ve seen him before and I’m not going to read too much into just one game.
“It’s not fair to make a decision only on this match.
“I have travelled to England to see him playing for his club so we already have a general impression of him.’’
Beenhakker, whose side earned victory with two goals from former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke last night, admitted Shakes had impressed during his two-day stint with the Caribbean side this week.
He added: “Over the last two days, he has showed me he is a very talented player, which we knew already.
“He’s very ambitious and is very talented.
“We will follow him during the next few weeks and will be back in England to watch him play before the season is over.’’
The Warriors boss blooded several new faces against Iceland, who featured Chelsea’s Eidur Gudjohnsen, in the London clash at Loftus Road.
Beenhakker added: “This match was important to win and it also gave me some answers on some of the new players who have not been involved up to now.
“This is important to me because it is close to me making a decision about choosing the 23 to represent Trinidad & Tobago in the World Cup.’’
The bulk of an almost eight thousand crowd was made up by Trinidad and Tobago fans and Shakes would love to see such support magnified at the World Cup.
He said: “The fans are great and it makes me hungry for more.
“I’m sure we’d have a good following at the World Cup. It would be quality.”
Now that he has his foot in the door Shakes is in no mood to miss out.
And he certainly isn’t overawed by life as an international.
He said: “I think I’ve done quite well, in the training sessions.
“I’ve been keeping my feet on the ground and just doing what I’ve got to do and getting to know the rest of the lads.
“The manager has said he’ll be watching me playing for Swindon.”
Shakes knows he has to keep performing for Town in order to book his seat on the plane to Germany.
He added: “I have to keep my level up. Then I’ve got a better chance of being at the World Cup.
Shakes’ international debut was watched in person by teammates, his club manager (Iffy Onuora) as well as his family.
He added: “Family, friends, the gaffer, Nicho (Andy Nicholas) and Charlie (Comyn-Platt) were here to watch me.’’
Nicholas said: “I thought it was a good solid performance.
“He had a shot blocked but his workrate was good and I thought he ticked a lot of boxes.
“He looked the part to be honest.’’
Shakes’ housemate Comyn-Platt added: “I was well chuffed for Ricky when he came on.
“He did really well.’’