Two newcomers on Trinidad and Tobago squad to play New Zealand

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad,  CMC- Two newcomers have been included on a 22-man Trinidad and Tobago squad for a Friendly International against New Zealand at the Hasely Crawdford Stadium next Tuesday.

They are San Jose Earthquakes forward Cordell Cato and Central FC’s Rundell Winchester while midfielder Hughtun Hector has been recalled.

“I think Cato, Winchester, Hector they can all bring something different offensively and it will be interesting to work into the training and see exactly how they fit in,” said Trinidad and Tobago Head Coach Stephen Hart.

“They are three different type of players so it’s a matter of how quickly they could develop the relationship with the midfield and other attackers and to see how they carry themselves off the field and in game situations.”

The squad, which will be captained by Stoke City forward Kenwyne Jones, also includes from recent matches in Saudi Arabia and the CONCACAF Gold Cup- Racing Genk midfielder Khaleem Hyland, Middlesbrough defender Justin Hoyte, Slovak-based winger Lester Peltier, Kevin Molino, Vancouver Whitecaps defender Carlyle Mitchell, Notts County midfielder Andre Boucaud, Willis Plaza and defender Radanfah Abu Bakr.

The two goalkeepers selected are Central FC’s Jan Michael Williams and Point Fortin Civic Centre’s Marvin Phillips while Caledonia AIA midfielder Densill Theobald, Columbus Crew midfielder Kevan George, Marcus Joseph of PFCC, defender Aubrey David of Caledonia, Curtis Gonzales of Defence Force and W Connection’s Mekeil Williams complete the roster.

“The objective of the squad is to continue with experimentation but of course you always have to have a balanced squad,” Hart told TTFA Media yesterday ahead of the first training session tomorrow at the Larry Gomes Stadium.

The European-based players on the squad are scheduled to arrive here by Friday.

“Playing at home is an exciting prospect for all the players,”said Hart.

“A number of them have recounted to me when last they played at home so you can feel that sense of excitement. And it’s a chance to play against New Zealand who are in very strong preparations”.

New Zealand were unbeaten in their 2010 World Cup finals, earning draws with Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia.