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A season-ending Achilles tendon injury came at a really bad time for Hughtun Hector. Especially considering Trinidad and Tobago's current superb run at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup when ending Group C qualifying on top with wins over Guatemala (3-1) and Cuba (2-0) and a thrilling 4-4 draw with group runners up Mexico.

The 30-year-old Hector would have been a certain Trinidad and Tobago starter, but misses a second consecutive CONCACAF Gold Cup through injury, having had an inspirational role in Trinidad and Tobago's run to the 2014 Caribbean Cup final, where they lost 4-3 on penalty kicks to host Jamaica, following 120 minutes of football and a goalless draw.

Vietnam-based with Hanoi T&T, the former W Connection man, was one of the two really creative midfielders in the Trinidad and Tobago team, along with also injured Kevin Molino. Hector said missing the Gold Cup is almost tougher than the injury itself.

“It very hard for me because I have never played in a Gold Cup before,” Hector confessed.

“I though this year would have been the time for me, but I guess it's not meant to be.”

Still, there is some good news for Hector, who has been working closely with the Warriors medical staff, and expects to make his first step back on the field in a month or so.

“I just have to keep my head up,” Hector continued.

“It have World Cup qualifiers coming up just now and I think that is a possibility for me coming back and playing for the national team.”

National football coach Stephen Hart has given the impression that Hector will be openly welcomed and in the build-up to the Gold Cup, Hector remained with the national team, although unable to take part in the sessions.

“He is a part of the team in that he is a national player and we welcome him,” Hart said.

“He is eager to kick a ball and I have to keep an eye on him.”