The magic is here.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
Former National captain and recently appointed National Senior Team Assistant coach/player Russell Latapy arrived in Port of Spain on Monday night along with English-based duo Chris Birchall and Carlos Edwards.
The three will join the rest of the team in training from Tuesday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium ahead of Wednesday's friendly international against Dominican Republic at the same venue.
Latapy arrived in good spirits indicating that he was here looking ahead to rejoining the team.
"It's good to be back. There's is some important business to take care of and that's what we are here for," he said.
Birchall meantime appeared all too eager to be involved again as well.
"I think this is definitely the best squad we have had together for quite some time. We have some players in good form. And to have Russell back is a huge plus along with the likes of Dwight and them.
"I think for me back in the 2006 campaign with was a great thing to have someone like Russell around. And it will be the same for the other players now. He's someone great to look up to and to learn from. For me, that was how I saw it with players like Russell, Dwight, Stern and Dennis when I just got into the squad back in the last campaign," Birchall said on Monday.
Edwards, now at Wolverhamton Wanderers meantime is focusing on taking three points from Guatemala.
"Last time I scored there but we lost badly. This time there is more at stake and I have the feeling that we can go there and get the job done. We are under pressure but they are also under pressure. The important thing is for us to keep the belief that we can get it done.
Jones trains with Warriors
Sunderland manager confirmed: "There has been a death in his family and he has gone over with our best wishes.
"One of our medical staff has travelled with him, to make sure his recovery goes to plan, because every day is vital at this stage.
"Kenwyne will be back next weekend and hopefully, then, he will have a good week's training with the first team and after that he'll look for a reserve game."
Jones joined the team in training after arriving home on the weekend with Sunderland physio Craig Tears. Jones attended the funeral of a relative on Monday.
Southampton striker Stern John also took part in the training but worked separately with the assistants.
“The last time we qualified for Germany, we had fewer points than we have now and at time looking at the remaining schedule we still have a lot to play for,”John said.
“We know our capabilities and we know what is needed and going to Guatemala we have to take it one match at a time.”
The country’s record goalscorer with 69 goals also pointed out: “I love scoring goals. That is what I do for a living. But right now the team comes first and I will do whatever the coach requires, even if that means playing 10 minutes.
Commenting on his recall to the team after being overlooked for the first three matches versus Cuba, Guatemala and USA, John said, “My injury was not that bad, it was a slight grade one tear and hopefully I will be ready for Saturday.
John also explained that he is not expected to see any action in tomorrow’s friendly international versus Dominican Republic at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.
“I’m working my way back into full fitness and I don’t think I will be ready for the game on Wednesday, which is not all that important as Saturday’s encounter away to Guatemala.
