Keeper Williams gunning for Figureido's spot
By Stephen Wright
Goalkeeper Jason Williams has put his Bermuda Hogges career in cold storage while he strives to oust veteran Timmy Figureido as the national team's number one for the World Cup qualifiers against Trinidad.
Williams is tired of being the next cab in the rank to the Somerset Trojan stopper, and is desperate to convince national team coach Kenny Thompson he is ready for an opportunity between the sticks for Bermuda's crucial double-header.
The North Village man has not attended the Hogges' training sessions in recent weeks, enabling him to focus his attentions fully on his battle for the 'keeper's jersey with fellow franchise custodian Figureido.
"The idea is to claim the number one jersey from Timmy," said Williams. "I've been focusing my attentions fully on the national team's World Cup qualifiers – that's my priority now.
"I haven't been attending the Hogges' training sessions regular and I've spoken to coach Kyle Lightbourne about my situation. He knows I've got a lot on my plate at the moment because I'm also doing a few 'keeper coaching courses this summer as well as organising my second coaching clinic."
The 23-year-old stressed he was still registered as a Hogges player and said he would be available should the pro-outfit require his services later this season.
"I haven't ruled out playing for the Hogges again this season and I'll be available if they require my services after the World Cup qualifiers," he added.
The national team take on Barbados on Friday June 6 and Monday June 9 at the National Sports Centre.
Williams said he was confident coach Kenny Thompson would give him a sufficient match time to showcase his talents against the Bajans.
"There's a lot of competition for places and I'm certainly hoping for a chance to show Kenny Thompson what I can do against Barbados," he said.
"I'm sure he will want to take a look at quite a few of the players as we prepare for our crucial matches against Trinidad."
Williams and Figureido have spent this week being put through their paces in training by Fulham 'keeper coach Vic Bettinelli, who has been charged with a remit to provide an overview of the national team 'keepers by technical director Derek Broadley.
The affable gloveman said he was relishing the opportunity of working with Bettinelli and learning an English-style of 'keeping.
"I guess I was brought up on the US-style of goalkeeping," said Williams who attended Howard University.
"Vic's been trying to introduce a more professional approach to my 'keeping and showing me English techniques.
"It's been really beneficial and I think I've taken a lot from it."
Sunderland marksman Kenwyne Jones is likely to miss Trinidad's World Cup qualifiers against Bermuda due to a knee injury.
Jones faces a scan after being taken off during the Soca Warriors' 3-0 defeat against England,
The Premier League striker is expected to be out for several weeks.
