FIFA Legal Division director Heinz Tannler told reporters that "We have noted that Samuel has not played for the England senior team but also that he was born in 1981. In principle, a player can request once changing the association for which he is eligible to play international matches - but only up until his 21st birthday and Samuel is 24."

"I have played for the England Under-21s and I am sure some people will accuse me of jumping on the bandwagon but I feel Trinidadian and want to play for them. I was born in Trinidad and it would make me proud to play for them. I spoke to Villa and they said there was no problem with what I was trying to do" Jlloyd Samuel told reporters.

Samuel has already been included in the England Under-18 and Under-21 teams. He was in the senior squad for the friendly international with Sweden in March 2004 without being used by Sven-Goran Eriksson.

The news delivered a blow to the Trinidad and Tobago coach as Southampton striker Kenwyne Jones tweaked his hamstring during a training session and can not be included in the squad. "Kenwyne has a bit of a hamstring and if the scan shows he is not fit then he should not have to make such a long journey when he is injured" Southampton Coach Harry Redknapp said on a statement published the club's website.

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