Former 2006 World Cup team striker Cornell Glen has been recalled to the National Senior Team for the two upcoming friendly internationals against Belize on March 22nd and away to Peru on March 26th.
The 18-man squad also includes newcomer Darren Mitchell of Pro League new boys Central FC. There is however no inclusion of Middlesbrough defender Justin Hoyte after the club’s management requested that the player be excused as he has only just recovered from a hip injury.
Hoyte is carded to be in the “Boro” squad for their League clash with Birmingham City this Saturday but the club does not want to risk him playing three games inside ten days.
Hoyte has however pledged his support towards the T&T team, adding that “It’s an honour to be part of this and something I’m looking forward to.” He is hopeful of joining the team for the warm-up internationals leading up to the CONCACAF Gold Cup following the friendly in Lima.
The other overseas-based players confirmed for the two fixtures include Port Vale midfielder Chris Birchall, Stoke City striker Kenwyne Jones, FC Edmonton’s Carlyle Mitchell and Philadelphia Union’s Keon Daniel.
Newly signed Toronto FC player John Bostock is uncertain over his availability to join the T&T squad at this time having just joined the MLS club earlier this month. European-based defender Sheldon Bateau is unavailable while Robert Primus has been asked by his club to join the T&T team only for one game. The Coaching staff opted to excuse him for the two encounters. There is also some uncertainty surrounding the availability of Turkish-based striker Darryl Roberts.
The coaching staff will consider possible additions to the squad this week.
T&T co-head coach Jamaal Shabazz, commenting on the recall of Glen who has caught form for North East Stars, said: “I think that the perceived problems with Cornell were just superficial. We’ve never had a problem with his ability and in discussions with him, we have found that he is hyped and ready to conform and contribute and we look forward to his return very eagerly.
“Similarly Keon Daniel says he is ready and the opportunity for him again to re-launch his international career is before him. How many times have we seen these ups and owns with several of our top players in the past and situations have worked out. This is just another one of them,” Shabazz told TTFF Media.
On the selection of former Under 20 team player Marcus Joseph and Mitchell, Shabazz added: “We have been monitoring Marcus in the zonal competitions.
We invited him to train with the team in the final session before the last game against Peru and we feel this provides an opportunity for him to get into this level. Mitchell has been showing good form for Central FC and his invitation gives us a chance to see how he deals with the preparations at this level.
Chris Birchall of course has been out of the loop for a little while and he will definitely add some colour to the team,”Shabazz said jokingly. “But more importantly he is a player who has demonstrated tremendous fighting spirit for this country.”
The team will be based at the Holiday Inn Express and will have its first training session on Monday at the Ato Boldon Stadium. Belize, which is also preparing for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, arrives here on Wednesday.
Ticket for the game priced at $100 with kids under 16 free, go on sale this week at selected Sports & Games and Kenny’ Sport Shop outlets as well as Ramsingh’s Sportworld in Couva. Kick off time at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Friday March 22nd is 7pm.
The T&T team is currently preparing for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup for which the draw takes place in Chicago on Wednesday. T&T co-head coach Hutson Charles and TTFF President Raymond Tim Kee are in Chicago to attend the draw alongside officials and representatives of the twelve competing nations.
T&T Squad
Goalkeepers
Marvin Phillip (Central FC), Cleon John (North East Stars).
Defenders
Daneil Cyrus (W Connection), Carlyle Mitchell (FC Edmonton), Aubrey David (Caledonia AIA), Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force), Joevin Jones (W Connection).
Midfielders
Densill Theobald (Caledonia AIA), Keyon Edwards (Caledonia AIA), Christopher Birchall (Port Vale), Kevon Carter (Defence Force), Keon Daniel (Philadelphia Union), Marcus Joseph (Point Fortin Civic Centre), Ataullah Guerra (Caledonia AIA), Darren Mitchell (Central FC).
Forwards
Kenwyne Jones (Stoke City), Cornell Glen (North East Stars), Devorn Jorsling (Defence Force).