West Ham United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop says he has no problems with Bahrain scouting Trinidad and Tobago ahead of their 2006 World Cup half slot playoff on November 12 and 16.
And how come? Hislop says because it will make them fully aware that they will be coming up against a team full of sheer determination with players prepared for the “games of their lives”.
Hislop made these comments from his team’s hotel ahead of a Premiership outing away to Liverpool on Saturday.
The former T&T captain said he was surprised to learn of all the hype back home over the alleged involvement of David Nakhid with the Bahrain FA, adding that the focus should be entirely on getting T&T past the next two matches and into the World Cup Finals next year.
“I'll start by saying this- David Nakhid has been a school-mate, a team-mate but above all a friend for longer than either of us would care to admit. And I'm sure he'll remain to be. What has happened concerning him and his proposed appointment to the Bahrain youth team is entirely unsurprising, after all he is a very recognized coach in the middle east,” Hislop told TTFF Media.
“What is surprising though is the media coverage the whole thing has received. These meetings, appointments, and exchanging of ideas is very commonplace in football at the highest level. I see it week in week out here at club level. I'm sure every one of the players in the squad is quite used to all of this, it won't be new to any of us.”
Hislop pointed out that it should be noted that the opposition is well aware that they will be in for a tough battle in both matches.
“It shows that they have respect for us, as we do for them. That's all. Personally speaking, I'd be delighted if they saw the videos of the last few games, they'll find out first hand a number of things we've learnt about ourselves which is that we're not easy to beat, we won't lay down, we'll fight to the end, we're a team and we're determined! Come the 12th and the 16th we'll be playing in the biggest games of our lives, and we'll be ready. Mind games or no mind games, it doesn't make the slightest difference,” Hislop assured.
Meantime, the T&T management confirmed that the 21-man squad, inclusive of the overseas-based players will reassemble on November 7 (with the exception of Dwight Yorke who arrives from Sydney on November 8) and will commence training the following day at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Head Coach Leo Beenhakker will also arrive from Holland on November 4 and has indicated that he will comment on matters regarding the National Team and the upcoming matches at a media conference at the Piarco International Airport upon his arrival.