Giant Wrexham defender Dennis Lawrence believes Trinidad and Tobago coach Bertille St Clair is better off than his predecessor, Scotland-born Ian Porterfield, because of the talented local-based players available for the country's 2006 World Cup qualifying bid.
The six foot seven Lawrence, who played regularly for Porterfield in T&T's unsuccessful 2002 qualifying campaign, thinks the emergence of players from the Pro League has improved their chances although it makes it more difficult for him to get in the squad.
Lawrence, who has 44 senior caps, was omitted from the team that lost 2-1 to the United States in the opener of the final CONCACAF qualifying round at the Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, but remains excited by his country's prospects.
"The team's chances are good whether I am in or out of the team," said Lawrence, "because we have good locals and good foreign based (players), so it is just how we apply ourselves. I think, in 2002, we had so many foreign-based players coming in just before the game whereas now the manager has more to work with at home and can spend more time preparing the team."
Lawrence suggested, though, that the regular international players
left out of the squad deserved the courtesy of a 'phone call from the
Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation's (T&TFF) technical staff
informing them of the coach's decision and possibly offering an
explanation.
"Obviously you are going to be disappointed (when you are not selected) because you are all heart and soul for your country," he said. "But at the end of the day the manager and coach have decisions to make and you have to accept it as a footballer. But probably the way they do things can be much better.
"I have not spoken to anyone since the last World Cup qualifier and I think that sends a message to me loud and clear. You need to keep relationships with your players."
Wrexham striker Hector Sam was also ignored by St Clair despite scoring in Trinidad and Tobago's penultimate qualifier when they edged St Vincent and the Grenadines 2-1. However, he was philosophical about his disappointment.
"You are always going to be disappointed because you want to play but Trinidad and Tobago have plenty players (who are) capable so you just have to wait for your chance," he said.
Carlos Edwards was the lone Wrexham representative at the Queen's Park Oval last Wednesday after a six-month injury induced lay-off. The wingback enjoyed his stint with his national teammates although he admitted that he was short of his best form against the United States and was still getting used to his role.
"It is a while since I played in a 4-4-2 system but we have to make the formation work," said Edwards. "My overall performance was average because it was hard (to cope) with the heat but we have nine games to go and we just have to grind it out and try to get to Germany 2006."