Country comes first for Khano
By Stephen Wright
Khano Smith has renewed his pledge to put country before club when it comes to crucial internationals - even if it jeopardises his New England Revolution starting status.
Smith will be on national team duty in Cayman Islands when New England line-up against MLS Cup champion's Houston Dynamo in their 2008 season curtain raiser at Gillette Stadium this weekend.
But the former Dandy Town player is more than prepared to make that sacrifice if it helps secure the 'Gombey Warriors' passage past Cayman in Sunday's second leg showdown.
"This is such an important game for Bermuda whereas Revs are only playing their first game of the season," said Smith. "So it's a bit of a no brainer really. I guess it would be a tough choice if there was a clash between a World Cup qualifier and a MLS Cup final, but hopefully I'll never be in that position."
The flying winger is among a raft of MLS players involved in World Cup qualifying action and is confident of regaining his starting berth for his club side once he completes Bermuda's mission in Cayman.
"You can't really worry about losing your place for your club when you're playing for your country," Smith said.
"The Revs' coaches know what I bring to the table and I'm confident in my own ability.
"They know what I can do and they see me play day-in day-out so I'm not too concerned.
"Obviously I'd love to have been able to play in both games but I can't be two places at once.
"Shalrie (Joseph) is fortunate because he'll be able to play for Grenada in their World Cup qualifier and return in time for Revs. But I'm just concentrating on getting the right result for Bermuda."
"Even if we [New England] beat Dynamo 10-nil it won't count as revenge ¿ they'll still be the MLS champions," he said. "But it is important Revs start the season well and I'm sure I'd have started the match."
The 26-year-old, who suffered heartbreak in last season's MLS Cup against Dynamo, has urged his national team-mates to build on their recent uplifting victory over Colorado Rapids.
Smith maintains he was not surprised by Bermuda's historic victory, which marked their first triumph over an MLS outfit.
"I wasn't shocked at all," he said. "Obviously Rapids are a professional team and you would expect them to beat amateurs. But we can play on our day and I was proud of the players.
"It was a big time result for Bermuda but it won't count for anything if we don't beat Cayman.
"All we need is the one goal and not to give up," he added.
"We know what we're capable of doing. The coach has pretty much got a full strength squad to pick.
"Competition for places is always important because it keeps everyone hungry.
"From what I heard we dominated the game in the first leg and just because we're away from home doesn't mean we can't dominate over there.
"We've got guys like John Barry Nusum back and hopefully we can put away our chances."
Keeper Jason Williams is a doubt after spraining his ankle in training on Tuesday, while midfielder Sammy DeGraff hopes to recover from a slight knee injury and should train today.
