Sidebar

26
Fri, Apr

Typography
Gillingham defender Ian Cox reflects on a busy last few weeks for him playing for both Club and Country.


Speaking briefly about last weekend's defeat to Rotherham, he said: "We didn't really deserve too much out of the game at Rotherham. From start to finish we didn't play well, we didn't apply ourselves from the first minute and I think we got what we deserved, which was nothing.

"Losing the game on Tuesday was a bitter pill to swallow though because for the first 35 minutes we didn't do too badly. We got the ball down and created numerous chances, but as defenders we have to keep the ball out and if you don't do that you're always going to be up against it."

Gills left the field of play to a chorus of boos from a small section of the crowd, and Cox was asked what effect this has on the team.

He replied: "It's difficult to take because we have got a lot of youngsters in the team and they, we, all need the help we can get, especially now that we are going through a bad patch.

"The supporters act as the twelfth man and we need them to get behind us. Fair play to those who have got behind us over the past few weeks, because, to a certain extent, we have let them down."

Cox's international teammate Brent Sancho has joined the club and Cox believes that he will add a little extra to the team. He explained: "Brent's a good player. He's good with the football and will add quality to the team.

"He's a robust, no nonsense defender. When things aren't going too well he'll give us that extra physical presence, which you need at certain times, especially when you are playing teams that like to beat you up a little bit."

Cox spent 10 days with his country, Trinadad & Tobago, appearing in both their games against Guatemala and Costa Rica.

There is no better honour than playing for your county as he explains: "It's an honour and I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to play the games.

"I'm on my last legs so to speak and any opportunity that comes my way I have got to take. It's been a wonderful experience.

"We could still qualify for the World Cup, the third place looks a little bit out of our reach but the fourth spot, which puts you in a qualifier, is between us and Guatemala, Panama have got a slight chance but it's really between us and Guatemala.

"So we have a chance and if we get the fourth spot we'll go into a play off against the best qualifier from Asia. We'll just have to remain focused over the next two games.

"Playing in the World Cup is every player's dream - the pinnacle - I'm no different really even at 34.

"If we were to get there it would be a wonderful achievement not just on a personal level but also for the country, Trinidad & Tobago. They really need this chance to get to the World Cup to give them something to look forward to."