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Racing Club de Lens midfielder John Bostock, a former England National Under-17 captain, will hope to finally make his international debut for Trinidad and Tobago next month, after head coach Stephen Hart named the talented central midfielder in his 24-man squad to face Guatemala and the United States on 2 and 6 September respectively.
Bostock, who was a target for a succession of Trinidad and Tobago coaches over the past four years, joined the Soca Warriors in March but was unable to play due to an error in the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association’s (TTFA) application for his change of nationality with FIFA.
(Courtesy Nicholas Bhajan/Wired868)
Bostock, who was born in England, did not waver in his desire to represent his grandmother’s homeland and now looks set to be rewarded with his first senior international outing. FIFA is expected to rule on Bostock’s application on Monday and Hart selected him in anticipation of a positive decision.
Another new call-up is Canada-born goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh, who plays for Louisville City FC in the United States’ second tier league and is a former Trinidad and Tobago National Under-20 player.
Ranjitsingh will help compensate for the absence of Central FC goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams, who recently returned to full training after a shoulder injury.
Combative midfielder Kevan George has also forced his way back into the Warriors fold with his performances for Jacksonville Armada FC in the US second division while central defender Carlyle Mitchell (Seoul E Land—Korea Republic) and Cordell Cato (San Jose Earthquakes—US) also return after recent absences.
Kenwyne Jones, who recently joined Pro League champions Central FC, will lead the squad which also includes Marvin Phillip (Morvant Caledonia United), Sheldon Bateau (KC Krylia Sovetov—Russia), Khaleem Hyland (KV Westerlo—Belgium), Levi Garcia (AZ Alkmaar—Netherlands), Kevin Molino (Orlando City—US) and Joevin Jones (Seattle Sounders—US).
The Soca Warriors, who top the group at present, need a win or draw against Guatemala to seal their place in the hex, which is the CONCACAF’s six-team final qualifying round.
However, a defeat to Guatemala would force Jones and his troops into a must-win situation away to the United States to preserve their Russia 2018 World Cup dream.
Guatemala goalkeeper Paulo Cesar Motta, who conceded twice in Trinidad and Tobago’s 2-1 World Cup qualifying win in Guatemala City last year, vowed that the Central American team will do everything in their power to be successful in Port of Spain.
“This is a very important game for the team and we need to get a winning result,” said Motta. “We are very motivated to get this result for our family, our wives, our children and the country.”
The Guatemala fixture kicks off at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain from 7pm. Gates will open at the venue from 4pm.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Tickets cost TT$300 (Covered Section) and TT$150 (Uncovered Section) and are available, through Sun Tixx, at any of the National Lotteries Control Board’s (NLCB) 900 Lotto outlets nationwide.
The TTFA has advised patrons to avoid counterfeit ticket issues by purchasing directly and only from the authorised agents.
There are no restrictions on tickets that a single person can purchase, which was a rule previously implemented to protect supporters from scalpers.
(Trinidad and Tobago squad)
Goalkeepers: Greg Ranjitsingh (Louisville City FC—US), Marvin Phillip (Morvant Caledonia United), Adrian Foncette (Police);
(Copyright Jewel Samad/AFP 2015)
Defenders: Aubrey David (FC Dallas—US), Daneil Cyrus (W Connection), Radanfah Abu Bakr (JK Silame Kalev—Estonia), Sheldon Bateau (KC Krylia Sovetov—Russia), Yohance Marshall (Murcielagos FC—Mexico), Mekeil Williams (Colorado Rapids—USA), Carlyle Mitchell (Seoul E Land—Korea Republic);
Midfielders: Andre Boucaud (Dagenham & Redbridge—England), Khaleem Hyland (KV Westerlo—Belgium), Hughtun Hector (W Connection), Neveal Hackshaw (Charleston Battery—USA), Kevan George (Jackson Armada FC—US), John Bostock (RC Lens—France);
Attacking Midfielders: Levi Garcia (AZ Alkmaar—Netherlands), Jomal Williams (Murcielagos FC—Mexico), Kevin Molino (Orlando City—US), Cordell Cato (San Jose Earthquakes—US), Joevin Jones (Seattle Sounders—US);
Forwards: Shahdon Winchester (Murcielagos FC—Mexico), Kenwyne Jones (Central FC), Trevin Caesar (Orange County Blues—US).
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Editor’s Note: Read Wired868 tonight for Stephen Hart’s explanation on his 24-man squad and thoughts on the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Guatemala.
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Pace isn’t the issue. It’s the attempt of tiki taka. Little combinations. Abnormal runs
And remember Ruiz is a beast. We need somebody who isn’t afraid to mix it up with him. He will a nasty little menace again. All elbows and sly kicks.
Lasana Liburd can’t believe he’s playing stil.
That’s why I think Cyrus will get the nod at RB :v
Concentration isn’t always Cyrus’ strong suit either. But he’s aggressive and nobody in Guatemala can beat him for speed. Hart has to get the combination right. But I think we will get our result.
Cyrus very often does not mark or cover properly but cuz he is so fast he compensates by getting back into postion quickly.
Some similarities with Ancil.
The cyrus of 3 years ago…yea..very quick..
But Bakr played against Guatemala in our two wins. He didn’t have any problems that I can remember. And Guatemala are very one paced. What you need against them is concentration and aggression to me.
Yep last game was on a smaller field in Guatemala.
I like Bakr’s dicipline and work ethic i just think he’ll have a tougher time vs their tactical speed on the bigger HC ground.
As i said, im very interested to see how this will pan out.
I think Bakr will struggle a bit with the pace of Guatemala’s attack on this size field so maybe Mitchie cuz of his pace will be an option. But it is interesting and prolly a good headache for coach Heart to have with that many options at back.
Can be changed with Bakr coming in and Williams going to rb
Jamal but is only one real central defender you pick there.
Cato Williams Shelly Aubrey . That could be the back 4.
I caution, beware of the distractions and reductions by untimely inclusions.
Saw him play vs Arsenal …he looked ok
Im so excited….cant wait for d 2nd.
Yes Aubrey David is playing well and is a starter ??
Well the scalpers gonna make they name…again…
Remember that Kirwin. We might have to revisit that bit
Big Squad boi Lasana Liburd ⚽
Bryan Aaron Walkes Zaki Skinner Isaiah Doyle Michael Quamina anybody going the game ?
Yea I outside
Way have tickets for the game g
Yea I pressing
Molino in the wing may suit us in this game. All we need is a point. Play bostock at the attacking midfield. With hyland and George or bucaurd behind him. Joervin on the other wing. Can’t tell yuh the back 4
I like Boucaud though. He helps us keep the ball and we need that at home. I suppose Bostock should be able to do that as well. But Hyland’s aggression has worked behind the striker.
I’d say Kevan and Bostock/Boucaud with Hyland on top.
Lasana Liburd first time in a while we have debt at every position. And experience footballers
Also I would start the young Levi against the Americans. Against the Guatemalans we need pace and physicality
I would also start George against the Americans. He’s been playing in the country.
I disagree. I think we have some quality in midfield. And variety upfront. But the only place I think we have genuine depth is in central defence and holding midfield.
We are extremely thin at full back and there is big drop off between the quality of our starting wingers and subs.
Prince Borde to me Bateau and Aubrey David should start at CB and LB respectively, the other two places up for grabs defending on current club form and who impresses coach Hart in training
Has Aubrey been playing regularly for Dallas Colin? I’m not sure. He wasn’t at first. So Bateau and any three at the back. Lol.
Carlyle is my Rolls Royce once he is in form. But we have depth in central defence. I’m not worried about there. All those guys can handle their stories.
Ye he hasn’t, i just giving him the nod because with Hoyte not picked, Aubrey basically is the best natural FB in squad. Everyone else as u know is CBs playing FBs – although Cyrus and Mekeil have handled themselves well indeed there.
Let see if anything serious comes out of that Sheanon Williams TT link, seen him a few times in MLS games – he is the kind of natural right-back the team been looking for
Colin Benjamin Lasana Liburd who is in your starting 11?
Leaning towards this presuming Bostick can play – but it could change especially the defenders outside of Sheldon Shelly Bateau
—————————Phillip———————–
David————Abu Bakr—-Bateau——–Williams
——————-Hylaand—–Bostock—————-
Joevin——————-Molino—————Garcia–
—————————Kenwyne——————–
Not bad.. Boucaud has to play for me and prob Mitchy
Ye Sherdon Ifm Pierre as birdman always says Lasana Liburd Mitchell in his best form would start – but i get the feeling over the last year of so coach Hart likes to start with Abu Radanfah Abu Bakr and he has looked good.
And if Bostick is cleared I think he will start for sure & Boucaud is the most vulnerable in mid-field to make way – unless maybe Garcia is dropped, Kevin Nash Molino is played on the left to accomodate both Bostock & Andre
Alyuh could real under rate Carlyle inno
Colin Benjamin it’s not a dropping for Garcia to start on the bench. Bring him on to run at people or if we need goals. We are playing to win but we should also play not to concede. Then with about 30 minutes left in a 0-0 or 1-0 game is bring him on to be a spark. Guatemalans are going to try to play. We are going to have to be discipline defensively. Conservative but it has brought us success of late.
With the pending addition of Bostock coach Hart has many different combos he can try in the midfield now. Intrigued to see if he would go with the three man midfield of Boucaud, George and Hyland like he did against the US.
What about Sheanon Williams? His momma is from Maracas but he was born in the US and played for the US U17 & U20 and currently plays with Houston.
What about him? Does he want to represent us?
This rumour must be truth then, because I heard this earlier today for the 1st time !
Yes, Sheanon Williams is eligible to play for T&T, but I don’t believe he is interested. We interviewed him way back in 2007 and he didn’t seem that keen.
Word, well i guess he could be vulnerable now – USA right back position is settled with two strong options in Fabian Johnson and Yedlin
His mom says he very interested. So much so that he has been trying to get a Trini passport but was encountering stumbling blocks with the beauracracy.
Thats good – get him and De Leon finally and the Warriors depth and quality will go up considerably
One of the main issues I see with Cyrus is that his current attributes mean he is best suited to play right back. But he wants to play central defence and plays there for Connection.
Then he has to always adjust and try a different position for country.
It is like going around in circles.
But I don’t think he was match fit earlier this year. Hopefully he is better condition now.
Think he is a good defender but him giving away possession drives me mad ….in this day and age a national team player needs to be able to maintain possession
Cyrus is not being well coached right now ….works hard to win the ball then gives away possession …. almost every time. … shocking but it can be corrected and should be soon
I agree. I am not a fan of him. He is only 24 so we would need him for the next campaign.
I am not impressed with form of Cyrus…. He seems to be on a downward spiral, hope someone takes charge of him, would hate to see him waste his talent….
Yeah he gives away the ball a lot.
Mentally, he does not seem to really be focussed, even his fitness is questionable… Hope he gets the help he needs….
Hope he does not play.
Do not think his slection was merited on present form….
Look at the squad more closely. He is the ONLY full back who is playing for his club at the moment.
Mekeil technically makes two. But Cyrus and Mekeil both play central defence for their clubs.
In other words, we are desperately short of full backs. If he does well in training then I’m sure he will play.
Lasana Liburd Yes he is…..
Nah we have Aubrey on loan in Dallas …. I understand he’s been playing well.
Malik Johnson Aubrey os performing really well
Aubrey wasn’t playing at first Malik. But maybe he has broken into the starting team since.
The last two games he has played. Williams has not played during the August month but he was a consistent starter. I hope he plays in the game tonight.
Lasana Liburd He is now starter, last 5 or more games… Not sure what has happened to Mikiel, do not know if he was injured
hahahaha They eh have no choice eh, right now our foreignbase “Trini” Coaches and players rule eh.
#WarriorsTimeisNow ⚽
Wait wait wait wait… ent he born in England ent allyuh doh like the “pseudo trinis” representing us
I didn’t see Hoyte listed so one in and one out? 🙂
Did his mother email David John Williams and get a player dropped so he can make the team Shaun Lynch?
If not, we are cool with him.
Lol… Lasana Liburd yuh still eh realise when I on Jones ?
Lol. Yuh ask and I answer Shaun. I always try to be careful when the Dick brigade tries to jump.
I’m not down with that. ??
Brian, Hoyte is without a club.
No Sean da Silva, No Cummings. The fans seem to like Cummings a lot though.
Cummings only recently returned to action after his injury and he isn’t playing 90 minutes for his club yet. So he probably isn’t ready for international football yet.
I’m sure he will get in after another month or two
The striker from Finland or is it Scotland lost his place?
That’s Jonathan Glenn I presume? He is in Iceland. He has played 11 games for his team this season without a goal and lost his place in the starting line up then.
So he probably loses out due to his form.
Yes that’s the name. Thanks
I see this dude from Central FC has lost favour for a while can’t recall his name. Is a attacking midfielder and is good with free kicks. Fairly tall lanky.
Team chemistry is important. I would have preferred Bostock play at least one friendly match to see how he gels with Hyland and Mollino in the midfield.
Well, he did train with the squad for about a week and a half before. Which is longer than Pogba trained with Manchester United before his debut. 😉
But you do have a point anyway.
Yes, but the team have developed a pattern where on these 2 game international break games. They looked very disjointed on the first game then begin to look like the team that we know by the 2nd game. I am sure you would have noticed that too. That is why I would have preferred a friendly first, but………the international calendar does not allow for such. So I guess we just have to hope they go against their established pattern , and get the gelling going from the first game.
Barely a third of the squad on that tour was picked anyway.
We need to try out another goalkeeper ….not impressed with our current options
That’s why Ranjitsingh is in the squad.
Excellent goalkeepers like what we had in 2005 would be the cherry on the top of this team.
But I heard that Molino got injured while playing for his Orlando club eh, will he be 100% ready for the upcoming game VS Guatemala on September 2nd?
We have played a lot without Molino over the last year. If not, Hyland would probably play in that rule and give us more rugged compactness.
But I hope Molino is fit in time.
Molino played roughly 70mins for Orlando last night, so he is fine.
BOOM.
I note six combative midfielders in the squad and five attacking ones. Looks like safety first. I wonder if that means Molino will play on the flank rather than through the centre…
Look forward to Roneil’s feedback on today’s press conference. 😉
Well finally my dictator President came thru with Bostock eh, is plenty licks for Guatemala now eh. hahahaha. Them really good yes.
Love what i am seeing so far, squad coming together with some real upcoming talent all over. We need 3 points at home next Friday
The guy who asked me about this will be pleased! LOL
He gets in the squad because of injury. But up to him to keep his spot now.
He has quality, and potential… An exciting prospect… Have been following his career since he tried out with the U20s a few years ago under Vranes….
Vernal Damion Cadogan, you asked about Indo players just the other day. Meet Canada-born goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh: