Reds’ player in World Cup
Last updated 19:40, Thursday, 20 March 2008
WORKINGTON Reds striker Matthew Berkeley is to make his senior debut for St Kitts & Nevis in a World Cup qualifier in the Caribbean.
The 20-year-old is due to fly out to St Kitts on Sunday for the second leg of a qualifier against Belize.
They must overturn a 3-1 deficit from the first-leg to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Manchester-based Berkeley said: “I’m really pleased I can play for my grandparents’ home country.
“But I’m more pleased for my family, that I can make them proud of what I’ve done.”
Berkeley hopes to return to England in time to feature in Reds’ home clash with Vauxhall Motors next Saturday.
In that case he would miss just one Blue Square North match, at Southport on Easter Monday.
Berkeley has represented St Kitts at U20 and U23 levels and is eager to make his senior bow.
He added: “In the younger teams the standard is pretty good, and they have a lot of technical players. I haven’t seen who’s in the senior squad. I’ll be a bit nervous, but I’m positive that I’ll do well.”
One factor that will not take him by surprise in the Caribbean heat. “It’s roasting out there at the moment,” he said.
