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National coach Bertille St Clair says that there will definitely be changes to this country’s approach in the final round of the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign scheduled to kick off in early February 2005.


St Clair made this declaration on Saturday as he looked ahead to resuming preparations with T&T facing one more semi-final round clash with StVincent and the Grenadines on November 17 in Port of Spain.

“There are definitely going to be changes in our approach the final round next year. Since the Mexico game, I have held meetings with several key people including an excellent meeting with Mr (Jack) Warner to discuss plans for the next round of matches. When I began this job in February I adopted a plan not only to ensure that we qualify for the final round but that we also lay a foundation to get us to Germany,” St Clair told TTFF Media.

Following the 3-0 loss to Mexico, some have made their feelings felt about the team’s showing including top Premiership goalkeeper Shaka Hislop who along with his teammates also expressed some satisfaction with the progress made by the “Soca Warriors” thus far.

St Clair said that previously he was not pleased with the way the team was shaping.

“At the time was not satisfied that we had been looking at all the available players and I decided to open up the team. When you do this it means that the team will not be settled for a while and you will look disorganized as new players come in and some are asked to play in different positions. But you have to do it now because it is the only time I have to see who is who. We have one more game in this round and I will take the opportunity to make some changes and to see one or two new faces in keeping with my plan for this stage of the qualifiers.” “The other countries are also sorting out their squads and searching for players even going to FIFA to secure footballers from England. That is why I said from very early that anyone with a Trinidad and Tobago passport who is committed to the team has a chance.”

He added that Hislop should be an example for other players to follow.

“If a player comes in he must follow the rules and I will not accept laziness, indiscipline or ‘prima-donna’ behaviour. He must follow the example of Shaka Hislop, a really great guy who does not think he is too big to follow the rules and to work hard. Shaka is no longer a “spring chicken” and he plays in one of the toughest leagues in the world but he never asks for special treatment and he trains just as hard as the younger players. This team is developing a great team spirit and anyone who comes in now must add to it, not destroy it.”

Looking ahead to the next round, St Clair admitted than there must be improvement in the team and he is seeking assistance to ensure that the “Soca Warriors” are ready for the challenge. “The next round is not going to be easy and we have to strengthen up in all areas and at all levels. I have begun to finalize the programme for next year together with the team management. I have already approached some top coaches both here and abroad to assist in some specific areas especially with regard to scouting our opponents. I cannot reveal all the details as yet but it is going to be a whole new ball game next year.”