Midfielder Leslie Tiger Fitzpatrick believes that his current duties with the National Team has come at a time when the stage is being set for the careers of him and other teammates to take off.
This was the sentiment expressed by the former St Marys College player as he completed yet another intense training session with Bertille St Clair in Antigua on Wednesday morning.
The casual observer may ask whether the team needs to be undergoing such strenuous training but St Clair has set out to ensure that the Soca Warriors are perfectly fit and ready for any opponent. At the same time, he is also aware that the teams tactical readiness is a key ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches.
I think we are at a stage of our preparations where the little areas and the major areas too will prove to be vital. We cannot afford to let anything slip by and as such the training is intense at the moment, Fitzpatrick told TTFF Media.
Fortunately the players in the squad now have had some time to train over an extended period and that means the guys are all pushing themselves to try and get into the final team and I think that the coach definitely will have a tough decision when selection time comes around, particularly regarding the number of overseas players he will be picking.
Reflecting on his first goal for the senior team, Tiger added Its something I have been wanting a long time and to finally get it meant a lot for me. Its something off my shoulders now and I think that it definitely will spur me on for future matches. There are other players who have been stepping up and they certainly can use this as a stepping stone for better things.
Other players accustomed to being on the fringe of selection and hoping to get into St Clairs final list include the likes of CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh midfielder Michael Celestine, Denzil Theobald, Derek Phillips, Kerwyn Jemmott, Anton Pierre, Nigel Pierre, Atiba Charles of Vibe CT 105 W Connection, Nigel Pierre and Joe Public flank man Marlon Rojas, who enjoyed an improved showing in the 3-1 win over St Vincent and the Grenadines.
At the end of the day its all up to the coach to select the team and for the players, its all about who wants it more. I think we have all been working very hard and not just looking out for ourselves but we have been working well as a team. Everybody just wants what is best for the team at this time and to see the team get good results, particularly in the opening game against the US, said Rojas who had a past stint with MLS giants DC United last year. The team was also anxious to find out the fate of T&T's Under 20 footballers in their qualifier against the United States on Wednesday, and despite the lack of radio or television coverage here, phone calls are expected to be made on Wednesday night.
Following Wednesdays training match against Antigua and Barbuda, the team is scheduled to train again on Thursday and will depart on Friday for St Vincent and the Grenadines for Sundays Digicel Caribbean Cup return fixture.