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Marvin Phillip and Carlos Edwards in training for T&T (Photo: Shaun Fuentes).T&T custodian likely to resume training in early Jan.

As expectations continue to mount going into 2009, Trinidad and Tobago National Senior team goalkeeper Marvin Phillip is counting his blessings and thanking the Almighty that he is today able to safely see out the remainder of 2008.
Phillip is currently resting comfortably at his home, recovering from a stab to the upper right back at a Parang lime in Hardbargain on December 20 which left him warded at the San Fernando General Hospital. There were initial fears that the wound would affect his chances of representing the country in what promises to be a hectic 2009 with the World Cup qualifiers entering the final round.

But Phillip is expected to have the stitches removed from the wound on Wednesday and has been told by doctors that he could resume light training by the first week of January. He is being monitored by National Team Doctor Terence Babwah.

The National Team leaves in mid-January for a live-in training camp in Argentina before going off to El Salvador for the next World Cup qualifier on February 11. Whether Phillip is considered for selection will be known when the squad is announced in the new year. The 24-year-old has made twenty one appearances for T&T since making his debut against Panama in January, 2007.

“It’s a big relief for me to be able to be talking without any major worries and being able to move around now,” Phillip told TTFF Media on Tuesday. “It could have been a lot worst and the first thing that came to my mind when I got stabbed wasn’t so much the fear of losing life but I was worried about how it would affect my chances of playing football and representing the country.

“I tried to defend my friend because he was being stabbed about the stomach and it was just a reflex action because I wasn’t going to stand there and watch on. I ended up being stabbed in the back but I have to be thankful that we are alive today. The other guy has been released from hospital but his injuries are more serious. But he will come through it.

“There is a message in everything that happens, especially the way things are happening out there in our country today. I want to appeal to everyone to be a little more respectful of people around them and show some care. We need to clean up our acts and get closer to God,” Phillip added.

Contracted to W Connection, the former Princes Town Senior Comprehensive and National Under 17 standout wants to remain a fixture on the T&T senior team.

“My main ambition is to remain on the national team and I know it will not be easy but I intend to keep on working hard and be able to make a contribution to the team in the qualifiers for South Africa in 2010.”