Skipper Carlos Edwards says he’s looking forward to returning to international action with Trinidad and Tobago next month. The 34-year-old, who we understand has triggered a clause in his contract entitling him to another year with the Blues, hasn’t played for his nation since November 2011, but is in the squad for a home friendly against Peru on Wednesday 6th February.
Edwards has previously won 82 full caps, scoring four goals, and says he’s already preparing himself for the trip: "I’ve missed putting on the national shirt so I’m definitely excited about this one.
"It’s a great chance for the team to play against a quality side like Peru. I’m pumped and my passport is already in my bag.”
In the absence of Edwards and other senior players, a young Soca Warriors squad finished second at the Caribbean Cup in Antigua and Barbuda in December, losing 1-0 to Cuba in the final, something which impressed the Blues captain.
"There are some new faces in the bunch now and I know a lot of people wrote them off before the Caribbean Cup and they went there and proved themselves well and proved the critics wrong,” he said. "I think it was a big step to get to the final and qualify for the Gold Cup.
"We are not just coming for a holiday next month, we want to stamp our authority and help the team by playing some good football and getting the team back up the rankings and ready for the Gold Cup [in the US in July].”
Meanwhile, we understand that by making his 30th start of the season at Bristol City on Saturday, Edwards triggered the option for a second year which was included in the contract he signed in April.