In form Central FC striker Willis Plaza has been drafted into the 19-man Soca Warriors which will depart today at 2pm for Panama where it will face that country in an international friendly on Thursday October 8 from 9.30pm (TT time) as both teams prepare for the 2018 Concacaf Semifinal Round Group C World Cup qualifiers which begin in November.
The 28-year-old Plaza, who made the last of his 18 appearances for the national team as a substitute in last month's 3-3 friendly draw with Gold Cup champions Mexico, was originally left out of the 20-man squad by Soca Warriors coach Stephen Hart.
However, after announcing the team for the Panama match at a media briefing held at the T&T Football Association's Office, Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, on Friday, Hart was then inform that Slovakian-based Lester "Corn Curls" Peltier" would be unable to join the team for the Panama friendly.
According to the release from T&TFA Communications Officer, Shaun Fuentes, local federation was informed that Peltier has a rib injury and will not be fit to travel nor play next week.
USA-based winger Rundell Winchester of Portland Timbers II was then sought as a replacement, but he had to decline the invite because of visa issues, which made way for the speedy Plaza to be drafted into the team.
So far this season, Plaza has been in excellent for Central FC, the reigning Digicel T&T Pro League and Caribbean Football Union Club Championship title-holders scoring in his last three matches, LA Galaxy in the Concacaf Champions League, and also a Pt Fortin Civic in his club's 2015/2016 Pro League opener, and then a double in a 4-2 defeat of North East Stars to start the defense of the First Citizens Cup title.
The Soca Warriors squad will be led by Cardiff City striker Kenwyne Jones who is among 14 overseas-based players called up by Hart.
Jones is also among two changes to the T&T squad from its last international outing against Mexico on September 4.
Apart from the 30-year-old Jones, who was excused for the Mexico match because he was in the midst of discussing his club future, Hart also recalled Russia-based defender, Sheldon Bateau who was also in the middle of switching from KV Mechelen in Belgium to his new club, FC Krylia Sovetov. Former Under-20 duo right-back, Aikim Andrews of W Connection is yet to make his senior team debut.
Also named to the squad is Barnet FC defender Gavin Hoyte who was also selected for the Mexico match, but opted out of the team at the last minute due to club commitments.
Thursday's encounter will be the first of two matches for T&T during the FIFA international as it also faces Nicaragua at home on October 13 as they look ahead to its World Cup qualifiers in November away to Guatemala on November 13, and USA, four days later at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.
The clash with Panama will the third meeting between both teams for the year as the Central Americans won 1-0 back on March 27 at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva and while coach Hart will want his team to get a win, he was much more focused on seeing how his players cope with having to play two international friendlies over five-day period, the same pattern of play which will take place for its 2018 Concacaf Semifinal Round Group C World Cup qualifiers in November.
Following the October 8 clash with Panama, T&T which also faces St Vincent and The Grenadines in its Group C qualifiers will then return home and host Nicaragua on October 13 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo from 7.30 pm.
Team for Soca Warriors
Goalkeepers:
Marvin Phillip (Morvant Caledonia United), Jan-Michael Williams (Central FC)
Defenders:
Daneil Cyrus (Chicago Fire), Mekeil Williams (Antigua FC), Yohance Marshall (Murcielago), Gavin Hoyte (Barnet FC), Abrey David (Shaktar Karagandy), Radanfah Abu Bakr (HB Hoge), Sheldon Bateau (FC Krylia Sovetov), Aikim Andrews (W Connection)
Midfielders:
Joevin Jones (Chicago Fire), Kevan George (Columbus Crew), Khaleem Hyland (KVC Westerlo), Andre Boucaud (Dagenham & Redbridge), Keron Cummings (North East Stars), Neveal Hackshaw (NE Stars), Willis Plaza (Central FC)
Forwards:
Trevin Caesar (Austin Aztex), Kenwyne Jones (Cardiff City), Jonathan Glen (Breioablik)