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Thu, Mar

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CARLOS Edwards has backed Dwight Yorke’s 11-hour dash to help out Trinidad & Tobago next month.

Sunderland’s veteran midfielder will make the Transatlantic journey with the rest of the Black Cats’ Soca Warriors ahead of their World Cup double header against Honduras and the United States in March — despite being suspended for both games.

He will do it with Ricky Sbragia’s approval and while some might doubt the wisdom of his journey, international colleague Edwards says his presence will be a boost.

“He’s suspended for a couple of games but it is good that he’ll be travelling anyway. Dwight brings that bit of calmness to the younger players even when he’s not playing. He speaks to the lads and it will do us wonders,” he said.

“The next three games are not going to be easy — we’ve got to go home and then we go on to America and that’s not going to be easy.

“We’re missing three key players for a couple of games and then maybe Dwight for more — hopefully they will not extend his ban and he’ll be back in the red, white and black as soon as possible.”

Edwards is hopeful of a second successive appearance in the World Cup despite Trinidad & Tobago dropping points against El Salvador a fortnight ago.

The Soca Warriors were two up but conceded twice and to compound matters Yorke was sent off after the final whistle.

“The game was a disappointment. Disaster would have been losing the game but it’s one of those ‘kick in the teeth’ moments. Maybe our decision making could have better,” he said.