Lawrence announces 25-man squad to face Honduras and Panama

Trinidad and Tobago football team coach Dennis Lawrence yesterday announced a 25-man roster for the pair of 2018 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF Zone Final Round Qualifiers against Honduras, on Friday at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, and away to Panama, at Panama City, on September 5.

Following a training session yesterday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, Lawrence disclosed his squad which will enter a residential training camp, from tomorrow until Friday’s clash against Honduras.

Eleven players who were part of the squad for Thursday’s international friendly against Jamaica, at the aforementioned Mucurapo venue, have been retained – Marvin Phillip (who wore the captain’s armband during the 2-1 loss to Jamaica), Adrian Foncette, Alvin Jones, Kevon Villaroel, Curtis Gonzales, Triston Hodge, Hughtun Hector, Aubrey David, Cordell Cato, Nathan Lewis and Tyrone Charles.

Foncette was an unused goalkeeper during Thursday’s match (with Phillip playing the full 90 minutes of regulation time) while defensive midfielder Jared London and striker Marcus Joseph, who both played the entire game, and second half substitutes – midfielders Hashim Arcia and Neil Benjamin, were dropped.

The rest of the squad includes overseas-based professionals Jan Michael Williams, Daneil Cyrus, Sheldon Bateau, Radanfah Abu Bakr, Kevin Molino, Kevan George, Mekeil Williams, Joevin Jones, Trevin Caesar, Willis Plaza, Carlyle Mitchell, Jomal Williams, Khaleem Hyland, Jamille Boatswain and Leston Paul.

“After a proper assessment of the players who have been with us and also those have been involved with their clubs overseas, we’ve selected a squad that we believed is the best one at the moment that can get us the result we are working towards,” Lawrence said.

“The week ahead will be crucial with regards to the build up to the match. We have a couple of the overseas boys already here with us along with the home-based players and the others will start coming in this weekend. We will put in the work with the boys over the next few days to try to ensure that we are prepared as best as possible for what is ahead of us coming Friday against Honduras,” Lawrence added.

Veteran captain and centre forward Kenwyne Jones was left out due to his long-standing knee injury, which he suffered moments before the June 13 World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica, while regular members Levi Garcia and Andre Boucaud were also omitted.

In related news, tickets for Friday’s encounter are on sale at all NLCB Lotto Outlets priced at $350 (covered) and $200 (Covered). There are three party group sections with Fantasy/Entice, Illusions Family and Warriors Posse by Winerboy Entertainment all proving the option for drinks inclusive match experiences. Details on these party sections can be found on the TTFA’s Facebook Page as well as the respective social media platforms for the groups.