He took Caribbean stage by storm with a number of goals at the previous Under 17 qualifying series, scoring five items in an 8-0 win over St Kitts and Nevis.
This time around Palo-Seco born striker Shackiel Henry is hoping to find form again and guide this country’s Under 20 team through to the 2013 FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Turkey.
Henry is currently with the T&T team in St Vincent for the ongoing CFU Group 4 qualifying group.
In Jamaica for the previous CONCACAF U-17 final round, Henry netted a double in a 2-2 tie with Jamaica but was left disappointed after T&T missed out on qualifying for the Finals after going down 2-0 to Canada.
The T&TEC forward began playing at the Palo Seco Youth Academy under former T&T coach Edgar Vidale.
“I started off at the Palo Seco Academy under Mr Vidale. That is where I grew up playing. Now I play for T&TEC. Football has given me a chance at a good life. If I wasn’t playing maybe I would be an electrician,” Henry said.
“I train usually five days a week,” said the 18-year-old ex-St Benedict’s and Presentation College, San Fernando player.
“I work hard because I aim to score in every game that I play. I didn’t play much games for T&TEC in the Pro League but I think once I can keep myself among the goals then opportunities will come. I would love to play in Europe some day but I know it takes a lot of sacrifice and hard work to get to that level."
Like many others, he supports the Spanish giants, likes the Argentine wonderboy but has his sights set on being a prolific goal getter similar to a T&T all-time topscorer.
"I admire Barcelona because of their style and Messi is the player I really look up to. So far my most memorable moment was scoring my first goal for Trinidad and Tobago which was in the 8-0 win over St Kitts.
But now I’m with the under 20s and even though I’m not sure if I’ll be starting, I’m still aiming to get my name on the scoresheet and help the team. Then I want to make the senior team and score goals in large numbers like Stern John did,” Henry smiled.
T&T played Guyana last night and will face Suriname in their second match tomorrow. Henry no doubt will be looking to put the hurt on one of these Caribbean opponents.