RICKY Shakes may be on World Cup standby but that doesn't mean he is necessarily party to Trinidad and Tobago's preparations for Germany 2006.

Leo Beenhakker's squad will be based in Manchester for a training camp this week but Town's young midfielder has not heard anything to suggest he will be part of it.

Shakes has not spoken to anyone in the Trinidad camp regarding specific arrangements and although the odds are that he will not be part of the Soca Warriors' World Cup party, he must spend the next month working under the assumption that he will be.

He said: "I haven't heard from anyone (from the Trinidad and Tobago) camp so I'm not really too sure what's happening (with regards to the training camp).

"Obviously the gaffer at Swindon has given us a fitness programme to follow during the summer but you build things up gradually.

"With the World Cup only a month away then I can't really afford to let my fitness levels drop.

"I'm going to the gym and doing some running as well.

"You just hope that the call comes and you have to prepare as if it will."

And whether he is called up or not, Shakes is hoping to make the trip to Germany to cheer on his nation.

He said: "It's something to really look forward to and I'm sure the team will have great support out there.

"But if the manager does call me then I will obviously be over the moon."

Shakes, who has agreed a new contract at the County Ground, must effectively wait by the telephone until June 9 before he can officially start his summer break.

However, he has always said that his domestic career is his priority and that while the World Cup call up would be a dream, it would be a bonus.