Trinidad and Tobago's number one goalkeeper Kelvin Jack yesterday confirmed he would be ready for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, despite reports a knee injury places his immediate future in doubt.
Jack has been bothered by knee problems in his two-year stint with Scottish Division One club Dundee, although it did not stop him from being an ever-present in national coach Leo Beenhakker's first team.
In an interview with the Dundee Telegraph last week, Dundee manager Alan Kernaghan was quoted as saying Jack would miss the rest of the season through injury and was not certain to be declared fit for the World Cup kick off in June.
But Jack insisted the newspaper article was well off mark.
"It is just astounding how a story could be blown way out of proportion," said the 29-year-old goalkeeper. "I am fine and I am ready to defend my country if selected and look forward to the World Cup."
Jack admitted suffering from a recurring knee injury but insisted the worst was behind him. He is unlikely to play any more football in the domestic season but explained this decision was made jointly by player and manager for merely precautionary reasons.
"I've had tendonitis in my left knee for the last year and a half," said Jack, "and it is something that the more you rest it, the better it will be. At Dundee, we are not going to get promoted and there is no chance we will be demoted and, having been knocked out the Scottish Cup last week, my manager told me from now until the end of the season is a good opportunity to get some rest and recharge my batteries."
It is possible Jack might have already played his last game for Dundee, which would leave Dundee United attacker Collin Samuel as the last Trinidad and Tobago player in a city that regularly employed talent from the twin-island republic.
North East Stars and ex-national team striker Jerren Nixon is still famous for his exploits with city rivals, Dundee United, between 1992 and 1994, while Russell Latapy, Jason Scotland (both Dundee United) and Brent Sancho (Dundee) all plied their trade in the area in more recent times.
Jack, who joined Dundee in 2004, is a free agent this summer and thinks the time may be right for change.
He explained that personal terms may also be a stumbling block, were he to consider re-signing, as Dundee remain in dire financial straits after going into administration in 2003 before being relegated from the Scotland Premier League (SPL) last season.
"I am one of the highest earners at Dundee and my wages is a stumbling block here as they are definitely trying to reduce the wage bill," said the ex-CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh goalkeeper. "Honestly, I want a fresh challenge."
Jack, who was briefly employed by England Premier League-bound outfit, Reading, admitted he would prefer a return to England, although he did not rule out a move to mainland Europe.
"England obviously interests me and they would be my first choice," he said. "But I won't say 'no' to going to play somewhere else in Europe because I like experiencing new things."
Jack is hoping England see him at his very best, this June, when Trinidad and Tobago kick off against the "Three Lions" at the World Cup. There is no chance of an old knee injury keeping him out of the action.