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Jason Scotland #9Jason Scotland says he has refused to retire from international football despite being asked by Roberto to do so.
The Swansea City manager asked Scotland to consider retirement due to the long haul flights he has to go through every time he heads off to represent his country.  But Scotland is adamant he wants to help them qualify for the World Cup in 2010 and he will continue to make those trips as and when required.

Speaking in today's paper, Scotland said "The gaffer asked me to look at retiring from international football and concentrate on Swansea.

"When I play for Trinidad it's a 10-hour flight there and another 10 hours back.  I have to fly from London and it's a long flight.  I am jetlagged when I come back to Swansea.

"The gaffer has tended not to play me when I've just come back from international duty.  He's told me to think about finishing with Trinidad but there's nothing to think about.  The gaffer did smile when I told him the next international wasn't until February.

"He was happy with that because it meant I've got a bit of a break from travelling.   My dream is to get on the pitch in South Africa.   I'm desperate to play in the 2010 World Cup.  I want to play on the biggest stage.

"We've got a good chance of reaching South Africa so I'm going to carry on playing from Trinidad.  I think I can play for my club and for my country.  I don't see it as a problem.  I can balance the two.

"To wear the red, white and black of Trinidad means a lot to me.  If I'm not OK to play for Swansea after returning home, we've got good players who can come in and do a job for the club.  Swansea knew I played for Trinidad when they signed me.

"Goals are harder to come by in the Championship.  The defenders are more intelligent so you're going to get harder chances.  But I'll be really disappointed if I don't score 15 this season.  Other players like Jordi Gomez and Darren Pratley are chipping in so that has eased the pressure."