CALL-UP | Dan Phillips named in Trinidad squad

Dan Phillips was yesterday called up to the Trinidad and Tobago national team for their upcoming Copa America Play-In Qualifier against Canada.

The international fixture will take place in Frisco, Texas at the Toyota Stadium on March 23 and at stake will be the chance to qualify for the prestigious 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America.

Phillips has been given the nod to represent his country after turning in a number of fine performances for Saints in recent weeks and he is now targeting a strong finish to the season both at club and international level.

“I am absolutely delighted,” he explained. “The international side of things is always something I have my eye on. It is a big target for me personally.

“I have to do well for St Johnstone first and foremost to get myself in the picture for Trinidad and I think my call-up is testament to how I have managed to keep myself going and I am really happy to be involved.

“I think there has been a lot of competition in the midfield at Saints and we have all been fighting for spots in the team. That has helped push me on.

“It is the same with the national team and I know I will need to keep my levels high at all times.

“My family are really proud of my achievements. For my family it is an opportunity for them to come and watch me, because I have a lot of family members who live in Trinidad and Tobago.

“Whenever I do get an opportunity to play in front of the home crowd it is a great turnout and I love to see a lot of my family members. I am really well supported in that department.

“The Trinidad squad are an unbelievable bunch of boys. It is like a brotherhood. It is a really close-knit group, a lot of them have played together through the youth levels.

“They have welcomed me with open arms and it is like a really close family. I would say it is a family more than a squad. It is similar to the group we have at Saints.”

Phillips could come up against former Saints teammate Theo Bair in the clash against Canada and he admits he was delighted to see his close friend enter the international scene once again.

He added: “I congratulated him the other day on making the squad for Canada but I told him don’t speak to me until after we have beaten you!

“We will have a bit of banter before and after the game I am sure of it. I am really happy for him.”