Yorke to snub Sunderland for internationals

Dwight Yorke has risked incurring the wrath of Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia after insisting he will take a full part in the build-up to Trinidad and Tobago’s World Cup qualifiers next month.

The March 28 fixture with Honduras and the Soca Warriors’ April 1 match against the United States come at a key stage in the Premier League calendar - in between the Black Cats’ meetings with Manchester City and West Ham.

Although Yorke’s appearances for the first team have been minimal this season, he is having a good deal of influence on the training ground since Sbragia replaced Roy Keane as boss.

“I’ve already made my mind up and I’ve passed the message on that I will be with the team going into the next match,” Yorke told Trinidad and Tobago’s official website, ttffonline.com.

“It’s important that as captain that I’m around and can train with the boys and get myself ready for the matches after that as well.”