Sawyers to represent his country...
ROMAINE Sawyers is heading to Haiti to represent St. Kitts and Nevis in the latest round of Caribbean Cup fixtures.The 22 year-old was instrumental in guiding his side to the second round of group fixtures, defeating Dominica and Guyana whilst drawing with St. Lucia last month.
The Sugarboyz will now face hosts Haiti, Barbados and French Guiana in Group 8 with the final stage of the competition being staged in Jamaica next March.
Sawyers will miss our Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie with Rochdale on Tuesday evening as well as our League One fixture at Oldham Athletic on October 11th.
“It’s a dilemma for me because since the last call-up, I’ve been in good form and I wouldn’t want to disrupt it,” he admitted. “That said, if there’s one reason to justify breaking up my good club form it’s to represent my country.
“We’re the highest FIFA ranked team in our group so the expectation levels have risen since last time and the fans will be looking for us to top the group.”
The talented attack-minded midfielder insists there is enough quality to reach the final round of games next spring but knows all too well about the challenges of Group 8.
“Barbados are captained by Emmerson Boyce and they’ll have players that ply their trade in other leagues whether it’s the MLS or ULS so I expect them to be competitive,” he added. “And French Guiana beat us 3-0 in the last Caribbean Cup, so there’s a revenge seeking mission to be had”
The last time Sawyers linked up with his compatriots he returned with a renewed belief in his own ability and has produced some of his best performances in a Walsall shirt since.
“I feel back to the old me so its unfortunate timing in that respect but hopefully I can take the good form over there and come back playing well again.
“Last time the international fixtures helped me to rediscover my form, this time I’m looking to repay the favor to my country."
Before that, though, Sawyers is ready to play his part at the weekend as League leaders, Bristol City, come to town.
"It's a game we're all looking forward to," he went on. "We've done really well in our last two home games against good sides, so hopefully we can continue this form on Saturday.
"Bristol City are a strong side with quality throughout the team, but we have the belief that on our day we can beat anyone in this League.
"We can't wait to get out there; there'll be a good size crowd and a good atmosphere, so it has all the makings of an exciting game."
Back on the International front, leading scorer, Tom Bradshaw, is on standby for the full Wales squad, whilst Liam Kinsella is on standby for the Republic of Ireland Under-19s.
Saddlers Player subscribers will be able to see the full interview with Romaine Sawyers on Friday...