Chris Birchall escapes broken bone.
By: Shaun Fuentes.[/size]
English-born midfielder Chris Birchall is hoping to be ready to make a return to the playing field in one week’s time after being advised to rest his bruised instep in this country’s historic 1-0 win over Bahrain earlier this month.
The 21-year-old Port Vale player said he was still feeling pain on the injured area and had only started jogging again on Thursday.
But that has not taken away from his jovial mood as he continues to be feted by Vale for being the first player to qualify for a World Cup while still a member of the club.
“As soon as I got back to England the next day, I had x-rays done and it showed that nothing was broken but there was severe bruising on the bone and there was a lot of swelling and pain,” Birchall told TTFF Media on Friday.
“I’m still struggling to kick a ball but I started jogging again yesterday but that’s as much as I can do for now. I’m hoping to be back with the ball again in a week’s time.”
Regarding the World Cup party at Vale, Birchall was thrilled to be presented with a commemorative plaque before the home fans at half time during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Swindon Town. Mention was also given to local striker Hector Sam.
“Everyone has just been supporting us and congratulating me at the training pitch and at the stadium. They are all wishing us well for the World Cup. It’s almost as if they still can’t believe that Trinidad and Tobago has qualified for a World Cup but they are all thrilled about it,” Birchall added.
“I’m actually the first player to get to a World Cup while still at the club. Robbie Earle of Jamaica was here but he moved to another club and then got to the Finals with his country. It’s going to be amazing for me to now step onto the World Cup pitch with T&T. What a moment that will be,” Birchall ended.
Fellow English-based pro Ian Cox also spoke of the tributes paid to him at Gillingham. “It was an amazing experience and a life long dream come true. At the final whistle it was unbelievable, the whole euphoria of it all, seeing grown men breaking down and crying with joy and excitement.
"A lot of the players like Shaka Hislop and Dwight Yorke, have been playing for a number of years and to achieved this at the latter stage of their careers is ideal."
Cox was asked how he thought the Soca Warriors would fair in the finals in Germany next year. He said: "It's not going to be easy because you are playing with the cream of the crop - the best players in the world.
"In the same vain though you want to go out and give a good account of yourselves."
Cox is keeping his feet firmly on the ground though, and knows that he needs to perform for the Gills to give him self a good chance of making the squad for the finals.
"It's a while away yet and I have to knuckle down here. My feet are firmly on the ground. From the first minute I got back my wife said 'here you are, look after the girls' so it's not been a problem keeping my feet on the ground.These experiences only come along once in a while so you have to savour the moment."
