John wants T&T players to prove worth

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):Former Trinidad and Tobago football striker Stern John wants current players to prove themselves worthy of selection.

John told the Trinidad Express that the time has come for the players to stand and be counted, noting the hiring of new coach Stephen Hart.

"Right now we need leaders. The players need to step up and be counted. No one respects us right now. We need to get the respect on a world stage," John said.

He said it does not matter whether the coach is local or foreign. He added that former national coach Leo Beenhakker, who led the 'Soca Warriors' to World Cup in 2006, made the team buy into his dream.

He also noted that the changing of a coach is a normal thing in football, and hopes that the players can adjust in time for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which kicks off on July 7 in the United States.

According to John, the major issue now is not about the coach and the skills of the coach, but about the players. Whenever a new coach comes the players are rattled, he pointed out, but was not convinced there would be enough time to do so, given that the Gold Cup is less than two weeks away.

John said he was not sure of Hart's capabilities, but is sure that the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) would have done their research before hiring him.

John was instrumental in helping his country qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and played in all three of his country's World Cup group matches.