By Ma Pau Sports Staff

Soca Warriors coach, Russell Latapy said he was happy with some of the things he saw from his players during a practice encounter with a select XI coached by Defence Force’s Ross Russell at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on Tuesday.

Included in the Soca Warriors training squad were  overseas-based professionals back home on vacation—Darryl Roberts (Turkey), Cornell Glen (USA), Carlos Edwards (England), Khaleem Hyland (Belgium) and Jason Scotland of England’s Wigan Athletic. 
Scotland lined up for the select squad.

The Soca Warriors squad got goals from Devon Jorsling, a 14th minute penalty and a second-half item from Glen to secure a 2-1 win. 

Defence Force’s Jerwyn “Bally” Balthazar netted for the select XI in a match marred by a few crunching tackles.

Speaking after the bruising encounter, Latapy explained the reason for having the match against the locals.

He said, “The situation is simple. The team needs matches under their belt because it’s one thing to see players in training and you’re working with 24 players and everyone knows what’s happening. 

“But it’s a different situation to put them in a competitive environment especially against players who are also competing for positions on the national team. That’s why I wanted the game.”

“I was quite happy with some of the things I saw and obviously there is  still a lot of work to do based on what I saw.

Quizzed on the appearance of the overseas players in the match, the former FC Porto and Boavista in Portugal midfielder said every player deserves s chance.

“The reality is that every single player deserves a fair chance  to represent their country. We are fortunate that these players are back home. 

It gives me a great opportunity to see them and It also provided the chance to see them around the team and how they interact with the other players  and to give them an understanding of what we are doing and how we are trying to play. 

“We have to take these opportunities to create these sort of situations,” he added.

Latapy said former Strike Squad team-mate Marvin “Marvellous” Faustin who was assisted the technical staff in some of his earlier sessions has been given the responsibility of scouting.