T&T youngsters hoping to make the grade.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).[/size]
Two of this country’s youngest National Senior team members will be pushing all out in an attempt to benefit from the experience of working alongside the more senior players of the “Soca Warriors” entourage heading into Wednesday’s friendly international against Guadeloupe at the Queen’s Park Oval from 4pm.
Defence Force left back Akile Edwards and CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh midfielder Khaleem Hyland, both having made their international debuts in the recent 2-2 draw with Puerto Rico, have been hard at work in the sister-isle with head coach Francisco Maturana at the helm. The other new faces include Jabloteh winger Jason Marcano, W Connection defender Kern Cupid and Defence Force defender Keston Williams.
The 18-year-old Hyland was the subject of a link to Scottish giants Celtic last year but a lack of international appearances dampened his chances of obtaining a work permit.
“That was disappointing because at the time they expressed interest but I couldn’t get the work permit. Now though having made into the national team I’m hoping to do my best and get some playing time. I’m really looking forward to working and playing alongside some of the senior players,” Hyland told TTFF Media.
“The squad has a good mix and after I made my debut against Puerto Rico I think that was a major hurdle to get over because your first game is always a tricky one. I felt good out there even though it would have been nice to get a victory. Now the game on Ash Wednesday is a pretty big one especially for players like myself because hopefully the fans will turn out and then we have some of our more recognized players with us which means that we will definitely be hoping to put on a good performance,” Hyland added.
Edwards meantime admitted that tireless work and belied paid off.
“I was with the Under 23 team before and we didn’t do too well so I know if I wanted to keep on playing with the national team the next option would be the senior team and we all know that it’s not easy to get to that level unless you have the talent and want to work hard. I worked hard and I kept on believing. I was not totally shocked to get the pick for this game but it’s a very big opportunity for me to be on the same team as some of the well known players. I want to learn as much as I can from them and at the same time contribute to the team’s success,” Edwards said.
Assistant coach Anton Corneal reiterated the fact that the door is closed on no player but was buzzing about the new ones entering the fray.
“These guys have always waited for an opportunity and even at a young age we felt it was the right timing to bring them in and expose them to the international game. It’s a lot different than the club level but it’s the only way they will continue to develop. We hope that by having them around with the other senior players will have a positive effect. At the same time the more players we can get into the overall pool will be better for the team
and the country,” Corneal added.
The team trained twice on Sunday. The list of overseas pros will have their first session with Maturana from 9:30 am on Monday at the Dwight Yorke Stadium. That list includes Kenwyne Jones, Stern John, Collin Samuel, Clayton Ince, Silvio Spann and Jason Scotland.
