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Carlos Edwards is just two games away from playing in the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany with Trinidad and Tobago.


Following back-to-back wins in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying group against Panama and league-leaders Mexico, Trinidad are on the verge of reaching the tournament finals with the Hatters full-back a realistic inclusion to make their World Cup squad.

Trinidad face a two legged play-off encounter against Bahrain for a debut appearance in football's most prestigious tournament and Edwards admits that the country believe they have an excellent chance of making the finals in Germany.

Talking exclusively to Hatters World, Edwards said: "We really fancy our chances against Bahrain - big time. I am not just saying that because we are now in the play-offs but because of the belief around the country and in the team which is that nobody can beat us.

"For me, it would be a dream come true and hopefully for myself, this football club and my family, I will get there. It would be fantastic recognition for this football club and it will give this club a bigger name.

"Trinidad is buzzing at the moment. We needed two wins to guarantee us a place in the play-offs and we gave it our all and got the six points that we needed. We have one foot in the World Cup Finals in Germany; we just need to get over the finishing line.

"It was an achievement in itself just beating Mexico in that final game. Mexico have some fantastic players in their squad and we knew what they were capable of doing and we just went out there in a positive frame of mind.

"We went a goal down but kept our heads held high and we responded well by getting a quick equaliser. It was game on from there and we took advantage of the opportunity and we got the winner in the end.

"England fans expect their side to be in the World Cup and the expectations are no different in Trinidad. However, people know that there are bigger countries than us who have got better players.

"Our country knows that we have got players who could do even better for themselves but they are not living up to their standard and they are simply not being given the break that I have got myself or players such as Dwight Yorke and Dennis Lawrence."

For the time being, Edwards is focusing on domestic matters and hopes to play a vital role in Luton's bid to bounce back to winning ways against Norwich on Tuesday night following defeat against Crewe over the weekend.

Edwards added: "I'm not thinking of the possibility of being at the World Cup at the moment. I am just keeping in a positive frame of mind and first of all I am looking towards the game against Norwich and nothing else.

"We want to turn around this bad start to the week that we have had following the defeat against Crewe. My club that I play for is my first priority but when I do meet up with my team-mates for my country then that is a different ball game."