World Cup-bound Hislop hopes to cap week to remember
LONDON, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Shaka Hislop has missed out on World Cup celebrations in his native Trinidad and Tobago to play in goal for West Ham United against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Hislop was part of the Trinidad squad that secured a memorable playoff victory over Bahrain last week to book their place at the World Cup finals for the first time.
Trinidad and Tobago prime-minister Patrick Manning has already declared a public holiday to celebrate reaching Germany 2006 and the players were treated as royalty on their return.
Hislop, 36, was determined to prolong his international career and achieve his goal of playing at next year's World Cup.
The experienced keeper will make it a week to remember if he manages to keep out former West Ham team mates midfielder Michael Carrick and striker Jermain Defoe at Spurs on Sunday.
Hislop added: "This is probably the best week of my career. I have been very fortunate during my club career and have played for some fantastic clubs.
"But I was determined to persevere... with the national side in the hope of playing at a World Cup.
"Nothing comes bigger to a player than what he accomplishes with the national team. Coming from a country as small as Trinidad, it means a lot to the entire region.
With a population of about 1.1 million, they will be one of the smallest nations taking part in the sport's showpiece event.
"I am hearing about how good the celebrations are in other islands of the country and it is testament to how close we are as a region.
Hislop returns to face a Spurs side who are just two points ahead of West Ham, after both clubs have enjoyed fine starts to the season, and United also have a game in hand.
A victory on Sunday would take West Ham above Tottenham and up to sixth place in the Premier League standings.
"My boots are still in Trinidad and I need to get a new pair before the Tottenham game," he said. "I am a size 13 so not many people will carry that.
"But this is a such big game for me to come back to. I know the history of these two clubs and I know what it means to the supporters.
"There is extra spice to the game because there are so many players with links to both clubs. I have no doubts Jermain is one of the best strikers in the game and to get one over Tottenham would be well received at Upton Park."
Updated on Saturday, Nov 19, 2005 3:40 pm EST
