“I am going to give them the benefit of the doubt right now,” said Caledonia AIA midfielder Marvin Oliver speaking with ‘ttproleague.com’ over his non-selection on the Trinidad and Tobago Senior Team to play against Puerto Rico on Saturday.
“I understand that Coach (Anton) Corneal wants to see younger players in action,” said the Caledonia AIA talent. “I am not going to let my spirits dampen me.”
National assistant Coach Anton Corneal selected an 18-man squad for Saturday’s friendly including Trent Noel the most senior, Jason Marcano, Khaleem Hyland, Lester Peltier (Jabloteh), Christon Baptiste (Defence Force), Kerry Baptiste (Joe Public) and Stephan David (Caledonia AIA) in midfield, a position Oliver believes he is capable of.
Oliver at age 35, is yet to feature for his National Senior team but believes his time is now.
“I think that I have been training hard enough over the past two weeks with the national team and I believe my time is knocking on the door,” he said.
Oliver who led Caledonia AIA to two knockout finals in 2007—Courts Pro Bowl and FA Trophy—is optimistic over his chances of a national team call-cup.
“Yes, I am disappointed to miss out the Puerto Rico game because it’s my dream to be on the national team and to be part of the next World Cup campaign but I still believe my time is around the corner,” said Oliver, targeting the Guadeloupe friendly as his time to shine.
T&T faces Guadeloupe at home on Ash Wednesday—February 6 and according to Oliver, it will also prove his faith on his national team.
“I will wait on the 6th and only then will I know,” ended the Caledonia AIA standout.