trinidad and tobago

[wonder babe]

Edwards out to impress


Luton star Carlos Edwards is looking to catch the eye at this summer's World Cup finals with Trinidad & Tobago.

The midfielder had a decent first season with Luton, but has ambitions to play on a bigger stage than The Championship.

He will showcase his talents in Germany this summer and is aware a bold show could earn him the move he craves.

"I hope that I can give a good account of myself and maybe I could be playing in The Premiership next season," Edwards told Sky Sports News.

"It is the biggest stage in the world and you are going to be showing what you are capable of and managers and scouts are going to be seeing what you are capable of.

"It is only going to up your profile."

Edwards has no desire to move on from Kenilworth Road, but is eager to climb the ladder.

"It is my ambition to play in The Premiership, whether it is with Luton or any other club," he added.

"My ambition is to be in The Premiership sooner rather than later."

[wonder babe]

Leo's surprise Rooney admission


Trinidad & Tobago coach Leo Beenhakker has admitted he hopes Wayne Rooney recovers from injury in time to feature at this summer's World Cup.

Beenhakker's side take on England in Nuremberg on June 15 but the Dutchman claims he is happy to take on England with or without Rooney.

Despite the possible absence of Rooney being a boost to T&T's hopes of causing a major upset at the World Cup, Beenhakker claims the tournament, as a whole, would be worse off without the prodigious talent.

Beenhakker empathises with the plight of England and Rooney and has sent a 'get well soon' message to the Manchester United star.

"I'm very sorry for the guy," he said. "I think first of all, the World Cup is a platform for great players.

"Football is for the fans and for the public, and they want to see players that can bring something extra, like the Ronaldinhos, and the Eto'os and the Rooneys.

"Those players have to be there because it's exactly what the World Cup is all about and from my heart, I hope he can make it because everybody wants to see him.

"I hope he is fit and healthy as soon as possible because it would be fantastic to see him play.

"For us, it doesn't matter if we play England with or without Rooney. They have many great players."

Despite the massive hype surrounding the clash with England in T&T's debut appearance at a World Cup the prospect of a meeting with The Three Lions does not overawe Beenhakker.

"I'm not fixated on England," he said. "There is always two sides in football.

"One side is the fans and the media, who like to blow things up, and the other is the professionals, and we are always focused on the next game.

"The most important match in your career is always the next game, and I can assure you that me, the team and the rest of our staff are only focused on one thing, and that's Sweden."

[wonder babe]

T&T star signs new deal


Trinidad & Tobago international Ian Cox has pledged his future to Gillingham.

The former Burnley central defender was out of contract at The Priestfield Stadium, but he has now penned a one-year deal.

Also extending their deals at the club are Frankie Collin and Luke Howell - both products of their youth system.

Meanwhile, Scottish striker Paul Shields has left the club by mutual consent.

[wonder babe]

Latapy relishing Cup chance


Trinidad & Tobago veteran Russell Latapy looks set to defy age and an addiction to smoking as he competes in the World Cup finals.

At 37 years of age the Falkirk midfielder will be one of the oldest outfield players in the tournament in Germany, and could represent as much of a gamble as England's newest 17-year-old, Theo Walcott.

After four unsuccessful qualifying campaigns with the national side Latapy is grateful for his chance, but admits he will continue to smoke through the tournament.

"Theo Walcott was just a baby the last time I thought I was going to play in the World Cup finals," Latapy told the Daily Record.

"This is definitely a chance I thought had passed me by. Remember, after four successive failures, I had retired.

"This may surprise you, especially at my age, but the one thing I don't feel I have to do is quit the fags!

"I haven't given up cigarettes for this tournament. I know what my body can and can't do and it won't be cutting out the four or five fags a day I'll smoke when away with my team that makes me play any better.

"The point is I've always been straight with everybody on the national team about my smoking.

"I have the same understanding with Leo that I had at every other team I've played with," he said.

Coach Leo Beenhakker has taken a chance on his ageing midfield man and will be hoping that his faith is repaid on the world's biggest stage.

The first chance for Latapy to impress comes in the first game of Group B, as Trinidad & Tobago take on Sweden on June 10.

[cristianofan4eva_]

Yorke thanks Fergie for his World Cup support   
Yorkie Salutes Sir Alex After Training With Reds

Ex-United star Dwight Yorke has thanked Sir Alex Ferguson for his help as he prepares to face England in the World Cup Finals.

The Treble-winning striker has been training at Carrington for several weeks and says the experience made him feel like a fully-fledged Red once again.

"It was great and I'd like to say thanks to Sir Alex Ferguson for giving me the opportunity," said Yorke on MUTV.

"It was absolutely wonderful being there with the guys again. For a moment I got a little carried away and felt that I was part of United again. Hopefully, the five weeks at Carrington have blossomed me towards the World Cup."

Yorke's Trinidad & Tobago will meet England in their second Group B game on Thursday 15 June and, despite the threat he would pose to his team, Dwight would love Wayne Rooney to recover in time.

"I was sad to see Rooney getting his injury against Chelsea," said Dwight.

"I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.  Everyone knows what a special player he is and we'd love him to be there."