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Gillingham defender Brent Sancho has revealed he is desperate for first team football, in a bid to keep his World Cup dream alive.


The 28-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international, currently out of favour at the Priestfield, has exclusively told clubcall that he would be prepared to go out on loan in order to make Leo Beenhakker's squad for the summer showpiece in Germany.

The former Dundee star has not featured for the Gills since early January against Barnsley, and has revealed his frustration at not playing.

"I thought I was doing well, but I haven't played since then," Sancho told clubcall.

"Obviously the coach (Ronnie Jepson) has his opinion and his preference and it is kind of difficult that I'm doing well in training and practising hard.

"But when it comes to Saturday you don't get a look-in - it makes it a difficult pill to swallow.

"From a player perspective you want to play every Saturday and that is why you play the sport."

"We haven't had good results lately so you hope you may get the chance to come in and help the team and do your best for the club, it's hard sitting on the bench or in the stands and not being able to contribute.

"I love playing for Gillingham, the fans have been terrific with me, even though I am not playing, they still cheer me up and have positive things to say about me.

"They have been so supportive of me and to be fair they have taken to me like I have been here for years."

Sancho, who has over 40 international caps, believes the lack of first team action may cost him his place in Trinidad and Tobago's squad for this summer's 2006 World Cup, and may consider leaving on loan.

Trinidad coach Leo Beenhakker has overlooked Sancho for the recent international friendlies but has indicated he hasn't closed the door on any player trying to make the squad for Germany,  stating they need to be playing on a regular basis to make the final cut.

"The bigger picture is the World Cup - you want to keep fit mentally and physically and of course you have a big goal and it's extremely difficult.

"I want to be part of the World Cup. I've worked hard and contributed a lot to Trinidad football in terms of years of service and playing.

"And now the team has reached the big stage you want to be performing as well.

"Not playing, and not being part of the Gillingham squad is going to hamper me in making the team.

"It has become a desperate situation, I am desperate to play anywhere, just to get some football and get going again.

"There was a couple of opportunities to go out on loan but they never materialised for whatever reason. I am hoping something happens where the right loan move comes about.

"I have had a chat with Leo Beenhakker and he understands my situation. At the same time I need to get playing, it has put me in a frantic state to get things sorted soon and start playing, getting back to a Saturday routine and that match fitness.

"In an ideal world I would love to be playing at Gillingham as I couldn't ask for a better set of fans, they are always so supportive.

"I want to contribute and fight against relegation and I am desperate to play.

"All respect to the gaffer, he has his choice and I respect that. It is his decision but I am fit and raring to go."