x

Skipper Has No International Retirement Plans - Ipswich Town News

Skipper Carlos Edwards will win his 88th but probably not his last international cap when Trinidad and Tobago face Jamaica in a friendly at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain overnight.

Edwards, 35, and fellow veteran Chris Birchall, now with Port Vale, have been invited to play in the game to give Soca Warriors’ fans a chance to thank the duo for their services to their national side.

Birchall, who like Edwards played at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, has announced his retirement from international football, however, the Blues captain told TTFA Media that he has no plans to do the same.

"I’m not getting any younger but at the same time I’m still playing at a relatively high level and I intend to keep playing. I still want to offer my services to the national team of Trinidad and Tobago," he said.

"It was always my intention to keep on playing. I played the whole Gold Cup and I missed the entire pre-season for my club so I decided it might be a good time to take a backseat from international football for a little while.

"But I don’t intend to call it quits just yet. I think I still have something to offer in terms of helping the team and helping the younger players to develop with the experience that I have now. We have to build for the future and I’d like to be part of it.”

Trinidad and Tobago beat Jamaica 1-0 in an away friendly at Montego Bay on Friday and Edwards, who has scored four international goals, says the Reggae Boyz will be out for revenge.

"It’s great to be back and to be appreciated by the [Football] Association and the country. I’m always excited to play before the home fans and even more so after the boys pulled off the win on Friday.

"I know for a fact Jamaicans hate losing and they will be coming very hard at us on Tuesday to even things up.

"I haven’t played much against them in the past but having been around our national team for so long, I know the rivalry is one of the biggest in football when you look at all the confederations. So, in saying that, there is definitely a lot at stake.”

Elsewhere, academy first-year scholar Jonny Smith will be in action with Northern Ireland's U17s in the final game of their European Championships qualifier against Turkey at Stangmore Park, Dungannon this afternoon (KO 2pm).

Meanwhile, Town’s U21s play a behind-closed-doors friendly against a strong Colchester side this afternoon.

What to read next:

Al-Hamadi: Promotion Made Playing Through Pain Worth It
Blues striker Ali Al-Hamadi, who underwent surgery on his adductor injury yesterday, says he’s been playing through a lot of pain but that it was made worthwhile by helping Town reach the Premier League.
Life's a Pitch TV - Episode 41 - Alan Brazil
This week’s Life’s a Pitch TV, filmed in front of a live audience at Monday’s End-of-Season Bash at Venue 16, with star guest Alan Brazil is now available on YouTube and audio podcast platforms.
McKenna Linked With Manchester United
Manchester United are the latest club reported to be showing interest in Blues boss Kieran McKenna.
Al-Hamadi Undergoes Op
Blues striker Ali Al-Hamadi successfully underwent surgery on his adductor injury earlier today.
McKenna With Southgate at Villa
Town boss Kieran McKenna was pictured with England manager Gareth Southgate at this evening’s 3-3 draw between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park.
Clarke Undergoes Achilles Surgery
Blues right-back Harry Clarke has revealed he has undergone surgery on the Achilles injury he has been managing for the last two seasons.
Al-Hamadi Set For Surgery
Blues striker Ali Al-Hamadi is set to undergo surgery on his long-standing adductor injury when he returns from his post-season holiday, TWTD understands.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Tractor Girls Trio Collect Awards
Tractor Girls trio Sophie Peskett, Natasha Thomas and Nina Meollo collected their honours at this afternoon’s FA Women’s National League Awards at the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley.
Ndaba's Loan Side Killie Qualify For Europe
Blues central defender Corrie Ndaba helped Kilmarnock to confirm their place in next season’s Europa League second qualifying round via a 1-0 Scottish Premiership win at St Mirren yesterday.