Jamaica To Introduce A Handful Of Locals To Close Poor World Cup Campaign
Temporary head coach Hall to rue his eye over island-based talent before naming 23-strong Reggae Boyz squad
Paul Hall’s upcoming three matches as interim head coach of Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz will include island-based players to tackle Costa Rica, El Salvador and Honduras this month. Although there are 14 confirmed who ply their trade overseas, primarily in Europe and North America, Hall is going to take a Camp in order to add squad members who mainly compete in the Jamaica Red Stripe Premier League.
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), who have come under intense public criticism for the Boyz’ dismal CONCACAF World Cup qualifying campaign, desperately want Hall to introduce some locally-based talent. The Boyz, who have collected just the one victory after 11 games, are simply playing for pride. This is because they have failed miserably to qualify for this year’s prestigious FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar.
Hall, who has lost all four games at the helm, will be aiming to improve results as no doubt he would like a shot at being appointed on a permanent basis.
With such stars as skipper Andre Blake and midfield maestro Leon Bailey among the 16 overseas players confirming their participation in these three World Cup qualifiers, there is little room for Jamaica-based players to make much of an impact.
Bailey heads the British-based contingency of goalkeeper Dillon Barnes, defenders Gregory Leigh and Ethan Pinnock, midfielders Gregory Leigh, Ravel Morrison and Kevin Stewart as well as strikers Andre Gray, Jamal Lowe and Kemar Roofe.
Regardless, Hall will take a camp with U20 head coach Marcel Gayle where he will cast his eye over 18 islanders and 21 U20 players before finalising a 23-strong squad.
El Salvador are the visitors to Kingston’s National Stadium on March 24, with a daunting trip to unbeaten table-topping Canada three days later. The Boyz conclude their woeful campaign against basement side Honduras, the only team they have won against, in Kingston on March 30.
Overseas players available for selection
Leon Bailey (Aston Villa, England), Dillon Barnes (QPR, England), Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union, USA), Javain Brown (Vancouver Whitecaps, Canada), Andre Gray (QPR, England), Gregory Leigh (Morecambe, England), Damion Lowe ( Inter Miami CF, USA), Jamal Lowe (AFC Bournemouth, England), Adrian Mariappa (Macarthur FC, Australia), Ravel Morrison (Derby County, England), Ethan Pinnock (Brentford, England), Kemar Roofe (Rangers, Scotland), Kevin Stewart (Blackpool, England), Devon Williams ( Inter Miami CF, USA)
Senior players selected for Camp
Dwayne Atkinson (Cavalier SC), Kenroy Campbell (Cavalier SC), Ronaldo Cephas (Arnette Gardens FC), Daniel Green (Mount Pleasant Academy), Ramone Howell (Waterhouse FC), Richard King (Cavalier SC), Amal Knight (Harbour View FC), Alex Marshall (HFX Wanderers), Nicholas Nelson (Molynes United FC), Odean Pennycooke (Tivoli Gardens FC), Trayvon Reid (Harbour View FC), Demar Rose (Portmore FC), Oshane Staple (Harbour View FC), Denardo Thomas (Waterhouse FC), Ricardo Thomas (Waterhouse FC), Jamoi Topey (Cavalier SC), Renaldo Webster (Cavalier SC), Jeadine White (Cavalier SC)
U20 players selected for Camp
Tajay Anderson (Mount Pleasant United), Romain Blake (Waterhouse FC), Gavin Burton (Harbour View FC), Markland Burton (Portmore United), Devonte Campbell (Mount Pleasant United), Jaden Chin (FC Prime), Cleo Clarke (Cavalier SC), Gregory Cousin (Vere United), David Edwards (Waterhouse FC), Marvin Fagan (Cavalier SC), Tyrece Harrison (Vere United), Kameron Lacey (University of North Carolina, Charlotte, USA), Jerome McLeary (Cavalier SC), Garey Mills (Mount Pleasant United), Christopher Pearson (Cavalier SC), Lamonth Rochester (Cavalier SC), Jahvar Stephenson (Future Monarchs), Jahneil Wray (Portmore United), Tarick Ximines (Harbour View FC), Dylan Zane (Connecticut College, USA)
CONCACAF World Cup qualifying table (after 11 games): Canada 25pts (+14 goal difference), USA 21pts (+9), Mexico 21pts (+6), Panama 17pts (+1), Costa Rica 16pts (+1), El Salvador 9pts (-7), Jamaica 7pts (-8), Honduras 3pts (-17)
Jamaica’s remaining matches
El Salvador (h) March 24, Canada (a) March 27, Honduras (h) March 30
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