Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Keon Daniel is expected to go overseas to explore the opportunities of securing a contract prior to this country’s next 2010 World Cup Qualifying encounter against Guatemala at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on September 6.
“The main focus for me over the past few weeks was the national team and I am happy that I was able to step up and help the team win in Cuba. But now there is the chance for me to go abroad and try to get a good contract. I always feel that once I work hard and stay focused then something can happen for me out there. West Ham is a possibility and I will really like to go there and make a good impression,” Daniel told TTFF Media.
“But time will tell everything. DC United were also interested a bit earlier on but I ended up not going there. I think they might still be interested but at the moment (United) Petrotrin really wanted me to be with them and I had no problems with that at the time. But I’m sure they will understand that if there is an opportunity for a player to go out and get a good deal.”
Another player who has attracted interest is Chris Birchall. The current Coventry City man has been made a loan deal offer from English League One club Carlisle United.
“There is an interest from the club which could be a good thing because I could get more playing time there which is what I need at the moment. I haven’t been given the chance in the Coventry first team and that’s not best for me at the moment. I just want to keep playing every week,” said Birchall who was not considerer for selection in Coventry’s 3-0 loss to Bristol City on Saturday.
Another player who has also caught the eye of foreign interest is goalkeeper Marvin Phillip. The current W Connection and former T&T Under 17 custodian has exhibited top form to convince Francisco Maturana that he is worthy of the number one shirt. Both he and Jan Michael Williams have progressed steadily aided by goalkeeper coach Michael Maurice. Phillip kept Cuba off the scoresheet with three excellent saves in the first half and a couple more in the second half.
“First of all we all played together as a team with heart and soul. That played a big part in our victory over Cuba. As a goalkeeper you have to always be consistent. Lately I’ve really been training hard and trying to improve my game. You always have to keep your side in the game and that’s what I tried to do. Thank God it worked out well for me,” Phillips said.
“Even though I wasn’t the starting ‘keeper in some of the previous games I never gave up. I knew I had to keep on working hard on the training pitch and it’s paid up so far. I want to keep it up and remain injury free as well. Every session both myself and Jan try to keep bettering our skill as a goalkeeper. The coach has seen me in a few of the recent games and he showed his belief in me and I was happy to repay him with that performance against Cuba. We all know the other games will not be any easier but we are preparing for bigger challenges,” he added. The team will resume training later this month ahead of the September 6 clash with Guatemala and then they travel to Chicago to face the United States in another World Cup qualifier on September 10.