England's Rivals: Trinidad & Tobago: Amazing pace and power of Scotland
Your support helps us to tell the story
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
The Soca Warriors are an eclectic bunch, drawn from all parts of these islands - from Wrexham to the Potteries - yet the gifted Scotland, who had more right than most to be part of Trinidad and Tobago's biggest sporting story, would still be sitting back at home if it had not been for the persistence of the St Johnstone manager, Owen Coyle.
The former Bolton striker was dumbfounded when Scotland was refused permission last year to stay at Dundee United by the Home Office and a Premier League tribunal. Scotland's world collapsed. He packed his bags, but Coyle persuaded the pacy forward to sign for the First Division side, who then submitted a new permit claim, which was accepted.
Scotland rewarded Coyle with 15 goals as top scorer, and with T & T enduring a wretched sequence of friendly defeats, the St Johnstone manager feels Scotland - one of six Trinnies earning a living north of the border - could be Leo Beenhakker's secret weapon. "Jason has amazing pace and is composed in front of goal, and I don't think he'll let his country down."
Scotland felt a sense of injustice at being told by the Home Office he was "not of the highest calibre" given that the first of his 25 caps came six years ago. But he has gone from outcast to cause célèbre. His face adorns billboards advertising Irn Bru - "Scotland's Other National Drink" - and the striker senses a Caledonian conversion to the Caribbean cause. "Every time I meet people they wish me luck and insist I do my best against England," he said. "This is my second home now."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments