Port Vale star misses Iron clash

Last updated : 27 February 2006 By Daniel Elwes
Birchall has been a key figure as Trinidad and Tobago earned a place in this summer's finals in Germany, the first time the Caribbean nation have been present in the showpiece event.

And the 21-year-old will be on international duty against Sweden on Tuesday, as he bids to keep his place in the national side.

He told the Stoke Sentinel: "I told (Vale boss) Martin Foyle that I didn't want someone to come in for Trinidad and Tobago and have a blinding game, so I would be struggling to get back into the team for the World Cup.

"The manager said the decision was up to me and he wasn't going to stop me from going. He made it clear he wanted me to stay as I am still getting my fitness back, but he gave me his blessing to go.

"The Trinidad manager is looking at trialists and I don't want to lose my place.

"We could only play three games in the World Cup and, if you are not in the team for the first one, then already your chances are running out."