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Thu, Mar

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CLAYTON INCE is hoping to push his way into Trinidad and Tobago's final World Cup squad with a run-out against Iceland tonight (8pm).


The second-choice Coventry City keeper has joined Sky Blues team-mate Stern John for the Loftus Road friendly and the striker is backing him to make the final selection.

"I am rooting for Clayton to join me in Germany," said John about the goalkeeper who has 62 caps for his country.

"Things haven't gone that well for him here at Coventry where he hasn't really been seen as much as he could.

"He was Trinidad's No1 keeper before but has had a bit of disruption with the coach. But he is a good keeper and I would love him to get to the finals with me."

Ince was dropped by current manager Leo Beenhakker last summer in favour of Dundee keeper Kelvin Jack, a decision that so upset him that he reportedly returned his international uniform.

He is also believed to have had a spat with coach George Joseph over match fees for qualifying games and was apparently unhappy with Trinidad's lack of interest in a back injury he suffered.

But, back in the fold, Ince hopes to push his way to the forefront, although he faces tough competition from Jack, who was first choice through the qualifiers, West Ham's Shaka Hislop and recent international, English-born Tony Warner who is currently plying his trade at Fulham.

John added: "He is still in with a chance because we will be taking three keepers from four and if he repeats the form that he has been showing in training he will be all right.

"It is always difficult being the second-choice keeper because if the first-choice keeper makes mistakes you always hope to get in there, but he has stayed professional and focused.

"He might get a game or even half a game tonight because the manager has said he wants to mix things up a bit and give people games."