Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) president Oliver Camps has welcomed the return of midfielder Russell Latapy back into the national football team, but feels other players must lift their games if we are to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
And ex-national footballer, coach, now administrator Alvin Corneal says while he agrees Latapy’s recall to the national team was a fairly easy decision, consideration must also be given to defender Ansil Elcock.
Camps pointed out that with Latapy, who has been dubbed "The Little Magician" back into the fold, it will increase our chances of qualification.
He said, "it is quite clear we have been experiencing problems in the midfield and the combination of ‘Latas’ and Dwight Yorke in the middle may be a huge threat to the opposing teams."
Trinidad and Tobago have struggled to score goals in previous matches and Camps is blaming this on the absence of a creative midfielder for such a statistic. According to Camps, "the reason Yorke and Stern John are not scoring is because they are not getting the service/passes from the midfielders."
He feels Latas will fit in perfectly and solve this problem in the Trinidad and Tobago team.
But he was quick to point out that although Latapy may be back, it would make no sense if the other players do not pull their weight.
He said Latapy has played with Yorke for quite a while and it would be easier for the duo to link up when he returns.
Meanwhile, Corneal expressed the view that with the performances of the midfielders in recent matches, he assumed that Latapy was taken in because of the need for points in the remaining matches.
He said Latapy will definitely bring something to the table and it will not be difficult because of the fact that he has been playing in Scotland.
He made it clear, however, that he was unsure of how much he (Latapy) can give at this level. He told Newsday he was unsure of the terms and conditions of Latapy’s selection, but he could only assume that it will be for the short term.
Corneal who is a member on the FIFA Technical Committee feels Elcock should also be given a recall to the national team.
He said the defenders are not playing too well and the former Columbus Crew man can well strengthen the unit. He noted however that his selection should also be for a short term, but it is important we get the points needed for us to go to the world cup.
Latapy, who is considered as one of the better local footballers ever to grace the Trinidad and Tobago football uniform, answered the call for his return following persistent pleas by Concacaf president and TTFF Special Advisor Jack Warner, as well as his former teammate and good friend Dwight Yorke.
Camps told Newsday he felt had Latapy been back into the team earlier, the Warriors may not have been in the position they are in now.
Trinidad and Tobago are now second from bottom on the standings with four points from some six matches thus far.
Meanwhile, Director of Development at CONCACAF Richard Braithwaite, has expressed the view that the return of Latapy is a good one since the team is lacking a touch of class in the midfield. He noted that one of the problems in the team is the lack of confidence among the players, which is crucial if we want to possess the ball.
Braithwaite feels that Yorke cannot only play in midfield, but added that his presence in the team is very important. It is one which gives players a boost, he said.
He added that Latapy’s presence will add even more confidence among the players and therefore he expects a solid victory over the Guatemalans next week.
He feels that both Yorke and Latapy will put TT right back into the picture.