“If they are judging me on the football aspect of it, then I don’t see any reasons why I shouldn’t make the national senior team,” said Caledonia AIA midfielder Marvin Oliver on Monday afternoon.
Oliver is included in a 40-man local based list invited to train in January ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s friendly international against Guadeloupe on Ash Wednesday—February 6th—at the Queens Park Oval.
Oliver explained to ‘ttproleague.com’ that Monday didn’t include an on-field session but more an introduction session with new team manager Dave Mohammed.
At age 32, the Caledonia AIA player is yet to make his country’s Senior Team debut, an astonishment he himself cannot explain.
“I am at my peak right now, in terms of experience and fitness,” said Oliver.
“I was kept away from the Senior Team for a long time and I have no idea what the reasons are. But after a season of about forty games in the Pro League, I am sure they realize now that I deserve a place in the team.”
Oliver last represented T&T at U-23 level when he participated in the 1993 CAC Games in Puerto Rico, under coach Keith Lookloy.
He now hopes that his enrollment in the 40-man local list is not a hoax.
“I deserve a place in this team. I’ve proved myself over the last year in the Pro League and I am sure that the national coaches saw me. I hope that this is not a setup,” said the dreadlocked player.
On field training is expected to kick off on Tuesday at the Ato Boldon Stadium with National Senior Team assistant coach Anton Corneal handling the charges.
Newly appointed interim Head Coach, Colombian Francisco Maturana will begin his six month term from February 01st as head coach in absence of suspended Dutchman Wim Rijsbergen.
While Corneal will be the man in charge of preparing the squad for Ash Wednesday’s match.
Sessions will continue every Monday through Friday of January before a final squad will be selected to go into a five-day camp from February 01st.
Looking ahead of the Guadeloupe friendly, Oliver wants to be part of T&T’s World Cup 2010 journey.
“I’ll be 34 years old by the next World Cup, but that’s the least of my problems. Roger Miller of Cameroon played in a World Cup at age forty and while our coaches here in T&T may be looking for youth, we have to remember that we don’t have the pool of youngsters that countries like Brazil, Argentina and Germany all have.”
“I believe I have a lot to offer and coach Anton Corneal has assured me that no one selected is too old and that’s a good thing to hear,” said the Caledonia AIA midfield maestro.
Nine overseas-based players are invited for the friendly international. They include Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones and midfielder Carlos Edwards, Swansea City striker Jason Scotland, Wrexham midfielder Silvio Spann, Walsall goalkeeper Clayton Ince, Ujpest FC midfielder Densill Theobald, Collin Samuel, Sparta Rotterdam forward Darryl Roberts, Southampton striker Stern John.
Invited Local Based Players
Goalkeepers—Marvin Phillip(W C onnection), Cleon John, Daurance Williams(San Juan Jabloteh), Tristan Charles(United Petrotrin)
Defenders—Ian Gray, Nigel Daniel, Dwayne Jack, Karlon Murray(San Juan Jabloteh), Seon Power, Anthony Noreiga, Keyeno Thomas, Terrance Mc Allister(Joe Public), Keston Williams, Aklie Edwards(Defence Force), Glenton Wolfe(North East Stars), Kern Cupid, Thomas Nickcolson(W Connection)
Midfielders—Kerry Baptiste, Kendall Jagdeosingh, Silas Spann, Kerry Noray, Jason Springer(Joe Public), Jason Marcano, Trent Noel, Lester Peltier, Khaleem Hyland, Ataulla Guerra(San Juan Jabloteh), Stephan David, Marvin Oliver, Hayden Tinto(Caledonia AIA), Christon Baptiste(Defence Force), Keon Daniel(United Petrotrin), Clyde Leon(W Connection)
StrIkers—Andre Toussaint(W Connection), Devon Jorsling, Richard Roy(Defence Force), Anthony Wolfe(North East Stars), Conrod Smith(Caledonia AIA), Gary Glasgow(Joe Public), Cornell Glen(San Juan Jabloteh)