Sport

Latapy back to bolster T&T

Trinidad and Tobago's midfielder Russell Latapy. - contributed

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC

MIDFIELDER RUSSELL LATAPY will make a surprise return to the Trinidad & Tobago team, giving the struggling side a much needed boost in their CONCACAF World Cup final round campaign.

The 37-year old Latapy, who earlier this year turned down a chance to represent the Soca Warriors, was persuaded to rejoin the team following a plea from Austin "Jack" Warner and captain Dwight Yorke.

"The situation is one where Dwight spoke to Warner and he spoke to me and a decision was then agreed upon," Latapy said.

Doing it for the country

"Warner made it clear that they would like me to contribute and for the cause at the moment, for Dwight, for Jack Warner and the country, I am willing to do whatever I can."

He added: "Everyone knows my situation with the coaching and my demands at Falkirk now and that is where my bread and butter is coming from so it's obviously not going to be easy."

"The coaching market is a hard one now at the moment and it's not something that I can just run away from. There are a lot of things to consider with the club as well. But as I said the reality is that I would love to come back and do whatever I can for the country at this time."

Latapy's decision comes on the heels of Trinidad & Tobago's latest loss in the qualifying tournament where they fell 1-0 to the United States last Wednesday.

The loss left them with four points from six matches and needing to win their remaining games in order to succeed in their bid to reach the World Cup in Germany next year.

"This has come about after several long thoughts and sleepless nights following the match against the United States," Warner told the T&T Football Federation website.

"A big part of it also has to do with Dwight telling me that he has spent so much time thinking it over and he believes that Russell needs to be back in the team."

"It is also a special plea from me to Russell to come back and play for the country and he has agreed to do this for the next two games in the first instance and we are thrilled about this latest development."

Latapy is currently playing for newly-promoted Falkirk in the Scottish Premier League.