Gambia and Bakau United's all-time striker, Daddy Gai, has refuted coach Alhaji Sillah's assertion that his team-mates should not have earned a call-up to the National team that is presently representing The Gambia in the 2009 Abidjan Nations Cup qualifier bout.

The outspoken Gamtel head coach was on Saturday quoted as saying that Bakau United players should have not been selected in the team simply because of their team's (Bakau United) recent poor performance in the domestic league. The former Scorpions head coach added that National team selection should be based on merit and not otherwise.

However, the Bakau United's goal poacher stoutly disagrees with coach Alhaji Sillah. Gai said his team-mates were called-up because of their proven abilities.

In an exclusive interview with Observer Sports yesterday, striker Gai said, National team selection can only be based on individual performance rather than team performance.

He said Bakau United could be struggling in the league, yet they do have good players who deserve a shirt in the National team.

"How can you select a National squad based on a team performance", he queried. "If that was the case, then Samger should have just represented The Gambia because they are the current league leaders and they are performing well,"

Daddy Gai, who has five Division One Golden Booth titles to his name since guiding Bakau United to promotion in 1998 season, added that a good coach should only encourage players rather than discouraging them for the good of the game.

"I remember the same coach being stoutly critical of Saja Leigh shortly after his return from Mali to play for The Gambia."

"Saja is very good player and this is no a secret. But I remember coach Sillah saying that he (Saja) was not fit to be in the team that travelled to 2007 Canada Under 20 finals. Such a cheapshot remark will never help a player," he said.

"I am a Bakau United player, but I always say good things about other players, because we share the same ambitions. What I wish for myself is what I wish for other players too." he told Observer Sports.

Overseas trials

The creative, tall and athletic striker also dilated on why he is yet to become a professional player despite undergoing several trials with some European clubs.

He said: "I always go for trials, but the unfortunate thing is that I always have an injury problem that hinders my trials."

"Anytime agents from another country come in search of players, I am always considered because of my proven talent as a striker, although luck is yet to be on my side."

"However, I have not given up the dream of becoming a professional footballer. I still nurture that dream in me and by the grace of Allah, one fine day, I will realise this dream.

"This is a promise to my fans," revealed one of the most crafted players The Gambia has ever produced.