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Silvio Spann (#16) up against Jozy Altidore of the U.S.Spann - Loyal to the cause for Wrexham and Trinidad.

Silvio Spann hasn't had a break from football this summer but the midfielder is not complaining. Just days after Wrexham's Blue Square Premier season came to an end, and with the Reds players planning their holidays, Spann's luggage included his football boots as he was called up for international duty.

Spann was included in the Trinidad and Tobago squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica and Mexico at the start of June, but the squad joined up for intensive training and warm-up matches weeks before the double header.

On completion of the games, Spann returned to Wrexham and within days joined in the twice weekly training sessions at Colliers Park.

Loyal to the cause, Spann said it is has all part of the job: "I have been very busy and had no time off whatsoever," he said.

"I left Wrexham on May 3 for Trinidad and started training two days later for the two qualifiers.

"It was rigorous training for three-and-a-half weeks, twice a day, because of the two games. In between I did not spend one day on the beach!

"After the game in Mexico, we went back to Trinidad to sort out some business and everyone then went their own way.

"I came back to Wrexham on the Thursday (June 18), had a little rest, and was back in training on Tuesday. That is my job."

Spann's return to the Caribbean for international duty was not a wasted journey.

The 27-year-old started Trinidad's 3-2 home defeat against Costa Rica on June 6 and was a second half substitute as the Soca Warriors lost 2-1 in Mexico four days later.

Trinidad and Tobago, under new coach Russell Latapy, remain bottom of their group, but Spann insists it was always a privilege to play for his country.

"As an international player, you have to maintain your fitness, it is in the interests of your club and country," said Spann.

"You have to put in a lot of hard work, have commitment and sacrifices, but it is worth it because it is an honour in itself to play for your country.

"They were two disappointing results but it was the new manager's first two games.

"The results did not go our way but we have got a lot to build on.
"And the manager has shown great confidence in myself which is important."

Pre-season training begins in earnest for the players on Wednesday as Wrexham continue preparing for the new Conference season which begins on August 8.

And despite his hectic summer, Spann said he is in excellent condition and is looking forward to linking up with all of his team-mates.

"I feel good. I went back to Trinidad with a little bit of weight but I have lost it and I feel in great shape as I am sure Mal Purchase (Wrexham's strength and conditioning coach) will testify," said Spann.

"I handled the both days training last week okay.

"This is part of the job and I am looking forward to being back for the camaraderie.

"I am naturally laid back and I will find time for myself. Now it is about the football here at Wrexham.

"Forget the past and what went on. It is a blank sheet so prepare for the future. I am raring to go."

Spann, who joined Wrexham from homeland club W-Connection in the summer of 2007, has 12 months remaining on his contract at The Racecourse.

And hoping to achieve the goal he set out to with the Reds, Spann believes he has got a big part to play this season.

"Ever since I first came to Wrexham, the aim was to get promotion," said Spann.

"Sorry to say, it went the other way. God always works things out for the best, and all we can do as players is do our best.

"Hopefully I get some games under my belt early on and we do well."

Spann added: "I have got one year left here and before I left for Trinidad I was asked by people if I was staying.

"I said I am always loyal to my contract, and never miss training sessions. There was never any doubt I would stay.

"I have been here two years and my performances have been okay.

"But with the high standards I set, they have not been up to that, I can't lie. There is always room for improvement and I still think I can contribute a lot this season."