T&T players from left Cyd Gray, Kenwyne Jones, Avery John and Andre Toussaint (partly hidden) go through their paces during a training session at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, yesterday. Photo:Anthony Harris

BY NIGEL SIMON

REFUSING to give up hope of qualifying for a second straight Fifa World Cup finals, T&T and Southampton striker Stern John says the ‘Soca Warriors’ still have a lot to play for.

John was speaking after his first training session with the national team at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, yesterday, ahead of tomorrow’s international friendly at the same venue against the Dominican Republic.

Tomorrow’s friendly is part of the T&T team’s preparations for their next World Cup matches away to Guatemala on Saturday and at home to the USA, four days later.

The other overseas-based players called up by ‘Soca Warriors’ coach, Colombian Francisco Maturana, and present at yesterday’s one-and-a-half hour session, included goalkeeper Clayton Ince (Walsall), Avery John (Miami FC), Khaleem Hyland (SV Zulte Waregem), and Sunderland’s Kenwyne Jones.

Jones was given permission to train with the T&T team by his manager Roy Keane, as he continues his rehabilation from a knee injury. He is back home to attend a funeral of a relative.

The Sunderland forward, who was accompanied by a club physio, will not take part in tomorrow’s friendly nor the two World Cup matches.

While the team trained together under the watchful eyes of Maturana, John who is recovering from a slight ankle injury, did some light training with the help of assistant coach, Ceasar Maturana for most of the afternoon, ending with a shooting drill.

Should John play in the match against Guatemala it will be his first for T&T in the second round campaign since scoring the second goal in the first round 2-0 away win over Bermuda which secured a 3-2 aggregate win and T&T’s Second Round berth.

T&T is currently on four points with Guatemala and five behind Group A leaders USA from three matches.

Cuba is without a point.

Guatemala is above T&T by virtue of a better goal-difference. Only two of the four teams will advance.

Looking ahead to the World Cup qualifiers, John said he was very confident that the ‘Soca Warriors’ can qualify for South Africa 2010.

“The last time we qualified for Germany, we had fewer points than we have now and at time looking at the remaining schedule we still have a lot to play for,” the veteran forward said.

“We know our capabilities and we know what is needed and going to Guatemala we have to take it one match at a time.”

The country’s record goalscorer with 69 goals also pointed out: “I love scoring goals. That is what I do for a living. But right now the team comes first and I will do whatever the coach requires, even if that means playing 10 minutes.

Commenting on his recall to the team after being overlooked for the first three matches versus Cuba, Guatemala and USA, John said, “My injury was not that bad, it was a slight grade one tear and hopefully I will be ready for Saturday.

John also explained that he is not expected to see any action in tomorrow’s friendly international versus Dominican Republic at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

“I’m working my way back into full fitness and I don’t think I will be ready for the game on Wednesday, which is not all that important as Saturday’s encounter away to Guatemala.

The other players who participated in the training session were Marvin Phillip (W Connection), Cyd Gray (Clico San Juan Jabloteh), Makan Hislop (Utd Petrotrin), Aklie Edwards (Defence Force), Clyde Leon (W Connection), Keon Daniel (Utd Petrotrin), Anthony Wolfe (North East Stars), Andre Toussaint (W Connection) and Cornell Glen (Clico San Juan Jabloteh) while Keyeno Thomas (Joe Public) will join the team on Thursday.

Thomas is with the Joe Public team which will host Montreal Impact in the second match of tomorrow’s double-header at Mucurapo, in a Concacaf Champions League match.

T&T captain, Dwight Yorke who arrived on Saturday did not participate in the session while Russell Latapy (Falkirk), Carlos Edwards (Wolverhampton) and Christopher Birchall arrived late yesterday and will train today at the same venue from 4.30pm.

Darryl Roberts of Turkish-club Denizlispor Kulubu was due home last night while Jason Scotland (Swansea), Dennis Lawrence (Crewe Alexandra) and Puerto Rico Islanders defender, Osei Telesford are expected today.