Saturday, March 22 2008

TRINIDAD and Tobago’s matchwinner against El Salvador on Wednesday, Keon Daniel says taking free kicks from around the box for him is almost “like taking a penalty”.

Daniel, a former Signal Hill Senior Comprehensive player was reflecting on his performance in the 1-0 win over the Cuscatlecos after yesterday morning’s training session at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.

Goal threatening left-footed kicks has become somewhat of a trademark for the Tobago-born United Petrotrin midfielder. He scores almost at will in practice and has done it a few times for his club. But none so far has had as much significance as the one which went in on Wednesday.

“It’s a trademark thing. Since I was about ten I’ve always tried the free kicks so it comes like a penalty to me now… like a free hit from anywhere around the box. It’s an important part of modern football now. I try to keep working on them all the time,” the 21-year-old Daniel said yesterday.

“I always say once I have my wall. I like my players to block the goalkeeper from seeing much so once I put it in the right spot it’s going to be difficult for him to get it.

“Over the months I have worked really hard with Petrotrin and trainer Wayne Lawson and as a young player it is paying off. This is a very important year for me. It’s a World Cup campaign year.” he added.

“It’s good to know that Dwight Yorke is the biggest player to come from the island and to wear the number 19 is a big weight to carry but it feels good and hopefully I can deliver.”

Daniel credited former national coach Bertille St Clair for taking an interest in him at a young age. He also felt his training stint at Manchester United in 2005 helped in his development.

“I think he (St Clair) saw potential in me as a youngster. He constantly kept pushing me and I am glad for that. The trip to Manchester was really an eye opener for me. That was a chance to break out… to see the world of football and to see the commitment players have for the game.”

Daniel will travel with the national team on Monday for Kingston to play Jamaica on Wednesday at the National Stadium there at 8 pm TT time.

There have been two changes to the squad (which was announced on Thursday) with Belgium-based goalie Jan Michael Williams replacing youngster Glenroy Samuel and Aklie Edwards coming in for Keston Williams.