Barbados Tridents' Foreign-Based Footballers Gear Up for 2023/24 Concacaf Nations League Opener Against Montserrat

The island’s squad of foreign-based professional footballers want to make a good impression in front of their home fans tonight as they look to get the Barbados Tridents the best possible start to their 2023/24 Concacaf Nations League campaign against Montserrat at the Wildey Turf.

Ahead of their first session with the local lads on Wednesday night, they expressed their eagerness to add to the quality in the squad and help fight for a favourable result. From the 7 p.m kick-off when the Tridents oppose the Emerald Boys, most, if not all, eyes will be on every twist and turn of 21-yearold Thierry Gale, who is expected to take the field in front of his home fans for the first time since signing for Austrian giants SK Rapid Wien last week.

“I am very happy to be back home and I just want to focus on the game,” Gale said at Wednesday night’s session at the Turf. “I am just here to help the team win and that’s it. Of course, I am looking to score again on Friday. I am a little nervous knowing the fans will be expecting a lot but for me, it’s no problem. I like pressure so I will help the team win and score as always.”

Gale is one of nine overseas-based players called up by head coach Orlando da Costa for the game as well as Monday’s away encounter to Nicaragua.

Oldham Athletic forward Hallam Hope is also eager for a run out with the Tridents after his last appearance in the ill-fated 8-1 defeat to Bermuda in July, 2021 during 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup qualification. He has missed about a year of action following an incident at a club game, 11 months ago.(NM)