United Petrotrin utility player Anthony Rougier is among five locally-based players in a provisional squad of 24 selected by national football coach Leo Beenhakker for the Fifa World Cup Finals in Germany, from June 9 to July 9.
Beenhakker named the squad at a media briefing at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Port-of-Spain yesterday.
In Germany, T&T, will meet Sweden (June 10), England (June 15) and Paraguay (June 20) in Group “B” matches.
In addition to Rougier, 35, who last played for T&T in the opening final round Concacaf Zone qualifier against the USA at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain, on February 9, 2005, the 63-year-old Dutchman selected the CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh trio of Anthony Wolfe, Cyd Gray and Aurtis Whitley, as well as defender David Atiba Charles of Vibe CT 105 W Connection.
The rest of the squad, as predicted by Beenhakker, features the core of players used during the final stage of the Concacaf World Cup qualifying series, headed by captain Dwight Yorke, of Australia’s champion club, Sydney.
The other foreign-based players include Kelvin Jack (Dundee), Shaka Hislop (West Ham United), Clayton Ince (Coventry City), Marvin Andrews (Rangers), Dennis Lawrence (Wrexham), Brent Sancho (Gillingham), Ian Cox (Gillingham), Avery John (New England Revolution), David Atiba Charles (W Connection), Silvio Spann (un-attached), Christopher Birchall (Port Vale), Densill Theobald (Falkirk), Carlos Edwards (Luton Town), Stern John (Coventry City), Collin Samuel (Dundee United), Jason Scotland (St Johnstone), Russell Latapy (Falkirk) and Kenwyne Jones (Southampton).
Beenhakker, who took over the team four matches into the campaign with T&T having only one point, has shortlisted seven players—Anthony Warner (Fulham), Nigel Henry (Kiruna FF), Ricky Shakes (Swindon Town), Hector Sam (Port Vale), Scott Sealy (Kansas City Wizards) and Anton Pierre (Defence Force).
However, the squad will be reduced to the Fifa-stipulated 23-player maximum following the Warriors’ May 10 friendly international against Peru at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, to meet Fifa’s May 15 deadline for all finalist teams.
Prior to announcing his team, Beenhakker, said it was understandable that people would have their own opinion as to the composition of the team.
“I am aware very well that it’s times like these that everyone feels they are a coach and have their own opinion on who should be in the squad,” he said.
“But I can assure you, before we selected this group of players we did our homework.”
The reason for naming the squad now rather than later, he said, was to give the players who were chosen and those left out enough time to make their own planning and take care of whatever personal things they have to do.
Commenting on his selection, Rougier said, “I’m very ecstatic and elated about being in the team. From the first time I met with coach Beenhakker I was very impressed with what he had to say and continue to be impress by the work he has done with our team.”
He added, “I’m not just working hard at being among the players going to Germany.”