Charlton Outcast Kaheim Dixon Called Up by Reggae Boyz
Jamaica have opted for a blend of experience and promising players for CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers
Kaheim Dixon, the Charlton Athletic striker, and nine island-based players have been called up to the latest 23-player Jamaica squad.
The Reggae Boyz have not gone full throttle as they will only tackle relative minnows St. Vincent and the Grenadines in a two-legged CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifier this month.
Head coach Steve McClaren’s will take his troops to battle at the 18,000-capacity multi-use Arnos Vale Stadium for the opening leg on 21 March (6pm ko Jamaican time). The second leg will be competed inside Kingston’s National Stadium on 26 March (7pm ko).
These two matches against the Vincy Heat should provide an insight as to whether fringe players will get the nod to play in the CONCACAF Gold Cup or FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The 20-year-old has found the back of the net twice for the Boyz in 11 appearances, but has yet to score for League One outfit Charlton as he’s only made one substitute appearance since joining last August.
McClaren has selected his usual shotstoppers of Andre Blake, Shaquan Davis and Jahmali Waite. The latest defensive unit comprises Christopher Ainsworth, Amar’i Bell, Fitzroy Cummings, Richard King, Joel Latibeaudiere, Dexter Lembikisa, Kyle Ming and Ethan Pinnock.
The midfield looks lightweight with only six players picked in the shape of Jahshaun Anglin, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Isaac Hayden, Tyreek Magee, Sue-Lae McCalla, Casey Palmer.
Dixon is one of seven attackers named. He will be competing for minutes with Leon Bailey, Warren Brown, Ronaldo Cephas, Demarai Gray and Shamar Nicholson. Aston Villa ace Bailey and Saudi Pro League star Gray are expected to start.
Key players unavailable because of injury include Michail Antonio, Di’Shon Bernard, Mason Holgate, Greg Leigh and Romario Williams.
Damion Lowe is unavailable for the first tie due to personal matters, but the centre back will be on standby for the second game.
The Boyz have recently altered their staff after goalkeeping coach Richard Hartis joined Turkish giants Besiktas and Paul Simpson appointed assistant coach. Simpson, who led England to the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup crown, worked alongside McClaren at Derby County and Newcastle United.
Jamaica are not expecting a full house of 35,000 in Kingston against St. Vincent & the Grenadines, like there was last week for the Cavalier FC match against Inter Miami when superstar Lionel Messi scored in stoppage time.
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