Trinidad and Tobago's English-born midfielder Chris Birchall admitted yesterday he owes fans an international goal or two.
Birchall was speaking prior to yesterday's training session at the match venue as the national squad continued to prepare for the Central Americans, who have never lost to T&T in a World Cup qualifier.
The former Coventry City midfielder said it has felt like ages since he scored for Trinidad and Tobago.
"I know the last time was the goal against Bahrain (in the playoff for the 2006 World Cup) and then I scored in a friendly after the World Cup against St Vincent, but it's felt like such a long time since I've scored for Trinidad and I think I owe the team a goal or two now. It would be great to get on the score sheet on Saturday and help the team to a victory," Birchall told Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) media officer Shaun Fuentes.
The 25-year-old has four goals in 33 appearances for T&T, with the other two goals coming in a 3-1 loss to Slovenia in the build-up to Germany 2006 and a 1-1 draw with Honduras at the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup in Miami.
Commenting on the team's readiness for Saturday, Birchall feels the "Soca Warriors" would have had a good build-up by the time kick off comes around at 6:05 p.m.
"I don't think the preparations could have gone any better. The new coach has got us in two weeks before the game. We had a high fitness regime in the first week, which I feel personally has got us a lot fitter. The way things have gone this week has me feeling confident about getting a result on Saturday.
"I have been playing every game so I feel I should be scoring a lot more. I don't think any of us have secured places in the team, with maybe the exception of Dwight (Yorke), which is understandable. If I do play I will try to shoot more, which I'm sure the fans would like to see and hopefully one will go in," Birchall added.
He feels the switch to the sister isle is a welcome change.
"It's nice for the change, for the people of Tobago to get a game over here. Just somewhere different and playing in Dwight's stadium is a good move. The preparations here away from all the action back in Trinidad has done well for us as well."
A win, no matter how it comes, is Birchall's hope.
"Definitely a win and in any fashion, whether it's by one goal or a high scoring game. Three points will be the main thing," said Birchall, who confirmed that he's just waiting for his contract with Brighton to run out before joining LA Galaxy in American Major League Soccer (MLS).
And Belgium-based midfielder Khaleem Hyland, who flew to Trinidad on Monday after his brother was murdered on Sunday night, was expected back in the team camp yesterday afternoon ahead of the evening training session at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, which continues to undergo round-the-clock preparations for Saturday's match.