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Fri, Mar

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Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Silvio Spann has signed a four-year contract with Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb.


The National Under 23 skipper has been away on trials at a few clubs in recent weeks, including Crystal Palace and Derby County, before finally agreeing to terms at Zagreb which is into the 2004/2005 UEFA Champions League.

The 22-year-old Spann is currently with his agent Louis Jeff Affor in England and is expected back home shortly before joining Zagreb for pre-season training on June 5.

Spann, a former St Benedict's College player who last played for Vibe CT 105 W Connection before becoming a free agent, was delighted with his new move.

"Obviously it's another big step for me and this is something I have waited patiently for. I thank God for presenting me with this opportunity. After moving to Italy and playing for a while there and then coming back to play at home, I feel good to be back out here again," Spann told TTFF Media from England on Friday.

"Dinamo Zagreb is a well established club and I feel privileged to have signed with them and also represent Trinidad and Tobago in Croatia now. At the moment I'm just sorting out some minor stuff and I should begin training with the team during their preseason campaign. It's a big challenge but I think once I can maintain my focus and stay free from injury then I should be able to fit into their style of the game," added the former Perugia FC player.

Spann last represented this country at the CONCACAF Olympic qualifiers in Mexico where he was selected on the tournament's All Star team after previously lining up for the Senior national team as well against South Africa, Venezuela and Morocco. He is now anticipating a return to the T&T team under coach Bertille St Clair.

"Playing for your country is always something that you look forward to and once I can get the call again, I will be putting my best foot forward because we have an important period ahead with the World Cup qualifiers starting in June," said Spann.

Meantime, national midfielder Brent Rahim, former player with West Ham United and Bulgaria's Levski Sofia, was on Thursday night named Falkirk FC's Young Player of the Year. Rahim received the award at Falkirk's awards ceremony at which Russell Latapy was also nominated for the Scottish First Division Player of the Year. "It was my first full season with the club and it is a boost for me to see that the club has recognized my contributions. We are just hoping to improve our position in the League and get promoted to the Premiership," Rahim told TTFF Media.