Trinidad & Tobago's squad for the World Cup finals in Germany comprises the following 23 players:
(Statistics up to and including May 23 2006)
GOALKEEPERS
1-Shaka Hislop (West Ham United, England) Born 22.2.69 Caps: 23 Goals: 0
Had to be content with a place on the West Ham bench for the first half of the season as former Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll has held the number one jersey. Regained the position when Carroll got injured and played in the FA Cup final against Liverpool in May. Now 37, Hislop has plenty of experience and is still an outstanding keeper.
22-Clayton Ince (Coventry City, England) Born 13.7.72 Caps: 63 Goals: 0
No longer his country's automatic first-choice keeper, he has had a good career in England, playing more than 200 matches for Crewe Alexandra before moving to Coventry City in 2005. Began his playing career as a defender before converting to a keeper as a youngster.
21-Kelvin Jack (Dundee, Scotland) Born 29.4.76 Caps: 30 Goals:0
After spells with San Juan at home and Reading in England, he moved to Scotland with Dundee in 2004 but injuries restricted him to just three appearances in his first season and he has also been sidelined for much of the one just ended.
DEFENDERS
6-Dennis Lawrence (Wrexham, England) Born 1.8.74 Caps: 60 Goals: 4
One of the tallest players in the English league at 2.01 metres, Lawrence is a favourite at Wrexham where he has played since moving from Defence Force in 2001. Could have an interesting confrontation with England's Peter Crouch, who is the same height, if Crouch plays against Trinidad & Tobago in Germany. Earned himself a lasting place in his country's sporting folklore by scoring the goal in the 1-0 playoff win over Bahrain that took them to the finals.
8-Cyd Gray (San Juan Jabloteh) Born 21.11.73 Caps: 36 Goals: 1
The Tobago-born defender made only two appearances in the qualifiers but they were in the most important games -- the 2-1 win at home to Mexico and the 1-0 win in Bahrain. Plenty of pace but is sometimes let down by a hot temper. Made his international debut against Guatemala in 2001.
3-Avery John (New England Revolution, U.S.) Born 18.6.75 Caps: 54 Goals: 0
Left-footed defender noted for his speed who can play in the centre of the defence, as a left-back or even left-winger. Joined the Revolution after unsuccessful trials with English clubs Wycombe Wanderers and Colchester United and French clubs Paris St Germain and Bastia. Brought into the side after Beenhakker took over as coach last April.
5-Brent Sancho (Gillingham, England) Born 13.3.77 Caps: 39 Goals: 0
Moved from Dundee in Scotland to Gillingham in 2005 but incurred the anger of his new club chairman last November in an argument over an injury. Matters were patched up and he is establishing himself in both the Gillingham side and the squad for the World Cup finals.
17-David Atiba Charles (Williams Connection) Born 29.8.77 Caps: 18 Goals: 0
Rugged, pacy central defender who made two appearances in the qualifiers. Has attracted interest from clubs in Singapore, Greece and South Korea and if he gets the chance to shine in the World Cup could well move abroad after the finals.
2-Ian Cox (Gillingham, England) Born 25.3.71 Caps: 16 Goals: 0
Born in England to parents from Trinidad & Tobago, he played for Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Burnley before a move to Gillingham in 2003. Tall, athletic and quick, he returned to the international scene after retiring in 2001.
4-Marvin Andrews (Rangers, Scotland) Born 22.12.75 Caps: 96 Goals: 10
Tough defender and a devout Christian who preaches in a church in Scotland. Used faith healing which appeared to work when a serious cruciate ligament injury healed in weeks and saw him return to the Rangers side much quicker than expected.
MIDFIELDERS
9-Aurtis Whitley (San Juan Jabloteh) Born 1.5.77 Caps: 21 Goals: 1
Defensive midfielder with an impressive work-rate, Whitley turned his back on the national side after being overlooked by previous coach Bertille St Clair but agreed to return when Beenhakker took over and played in the last seven qualifiers. Previously went under the name of Otis Seaton.
11-Carlos Edwards (Luton Town, England) Born 24.10.78 Caps: 48 Goals: 1
Another well-travelled member of the squad who spent five years at Wrexham before a move to Luton Town at the end of last season. Reportedly coveted by West Brom manager Bryan Robson and another move could be on the cards after the World Cup finals.
7-Chris Birchall (Port Vale, England) Born 5.5.84 Caps: 16 Goals: 2
If he plays in the finals it will complete an intriguing World Cup story. His grandparents emigrated to Trinidad and his mother was born there before moving to England when she was 18. He became the first white man to play for Trinidad & Tobago in 60 years last year. Usually plays on the right side of midfield and is a very talented all-rounder.
18-Densill Theobald (Falkirk, Scotland) Born 27.6.82 Caps: 35 Goals: 1
Central midfielder who started two qualifiers and made several other appearances as a substitute. Scored two goals including a brilliant volley in the 4-0 win over Dominican Republic. Made his debut against Barbados in 2002.
16-Silvio Spann (unattached) Born 21.8.81 Caps: 29 Goals: 1
Became the first Caribbean player to join an Italian professional club when he signed for Perugia in 2004, moving to Yokohama for the 2005 season. Father Leroy was also a Trinidad international. Has been linked with several clubs in England and Europe and likely to have no problem finding a new club after the World Cup.
FORWARDS
10-Russell Latapy (Falkirk, Scotland) Born 2.8.68 Caps: 65 Goals: 28
Known as the Little Magician, the gifted Latapy quit the side in 2001 but made a surprise comeback last September for the qualifier at home to Guatemala when he scored the first goal and set up another in Trinidad's 3-2 win.
13-Cornell Glen (Los Angeles Galaxy, U.S.) Born 21.10.81 Caps: 35 Goals: 11
Started two qualifiers, came on as a substitute in another seven and scored two goals. However, he was dropped by coach Beenhakker towards the end of the campaign. Injuries also interrupted his season with Columbus Crew in the MLS. He moved to Colorado Rapids at the end of the year before another move to Los Angeles in April.
19-Dwight Yorke (Sydney FC, Australia) Born 3.11.71 Caps: 51 Goals: 15
The squad's best-known player internationally, Yorke was part of Manchester United's treble-winning team. He made his international comeback in the qualifier at home to United States last February after an absence of nearly four years. Still retains guile, skill and an eye for goal. Has won major honours throughout his career including the Champions League with Manchester United in 1999.
20-Jason Scotland (St Johnstone, Scotland) Born 18.2.79 Caps: 24 Goals: 5
The only "Scotland" at the World Cup finals and quirkily playing his football in Scotland, so newspapers north of the border with England are relishing seeing him play against the "auld enemy" in Nuremberg on June 15. Good with both feet and a keen eye for goal. Could make a real name for himself in the finals.
15-Kenwyne Jones (Southampton, England) 5.10.84 Caps: 27 Goals: 2
Has established himself in Southampton's starting lineup this season after loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City showcased his undoubted ability and eye for a goal.
14-Stern John (Coventry City, England) Born 30.10.76 Caps: 92 Caps: 64
A chequered career taking him to such diverse clubs as New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers in the American A-League and former European champions Nottingham Forest has given John a wealth of experience in the game and makes him one of the most senior players in the squad. Still scoring goals at Coventry, the fourth club he has played for in the English midlands.
12-Collin Samuel (Dundee United, Scotland) Born: 27.8.81 Caps: 16 Goals: 3
Scored a hat-trick playing for a Trinidad XI against a Tobago XI in December 2001 which won him a call-up to the national side. Promptly scored another hat-trick on his debut against Grenada and although he has not added to his international tally he is a dangerous and hard-working striker. Had a trial with Everton before sealing a move to Falkirk in Scotland in 2002.
23-Anthony Wolfe (San Juan Jabloteh) Born: 1983 Caps: 3 Goals: 0
Young, unselfish centre-forward, whose brother Glenton was also in the running for the World Cup squad but did not make coach Beenhakker's final selection. May appear as a substitute, but has a bright future predicted.
