Time for moulding team for Qatar 2022

THE EDITOR: I really don’t like to tell coaches, football or cricket, how to do their jobs, but as a lover of both disciplines I will from time to time offer my “two cents” to right both floundering ships.

Firstly, football’s national coach Dennis Lawrence has to put on his thinking cap and start moulding a team for Qatar 2022.

The talent is there in the Pro League, Super League and the colleges league (SSFL).

Lawrence must take a leaf out of the book of German coach Figge and have national footballers play year-round.

As an old soldier, Lawrence must bite the bullet and have A and B squads comprised of 15 players each in training.

No overseas player will be guaranteed a place on the team. Their performances will be monitored, and those doing well will be invited to wear the national shirt.

Old warhorses will also have to fight for their place on the national team, as we look to the Gold Cup 2019.

As I said before, I expect to see top players in the Pro League, Super League and colleges league drafted into the squads.

I don’t get it when I hear negative remarks about college players. One of the oft-repeated foolish remark is “they must pay their dues.”

Coach Lawrence must throw players into the heat of the battle. Players who have chosen to study, that’s cool. Players called up must be given a stipend, provided with proper meals, and assisted with transport if necessary.

Lawrence has a great opportunity to mould a fighting squad of youth and experience.

The upcoming test against Wales in March should be the start of the countdown to Qatar 2022.

KEITH ANDERSON, Port of Spain