Vassell expects locals to stake claim for WC squad

Jamaican midfielder Peter Lee Vassell is confident that members of the local Reggae Boyz squad that will take on Bermuda in an international friendly tomorrow at the Montego Bay Sports Complex will put in a good performance and stake their claim for a place in Theodore Whitmore’s World Cup qualification squad.

The Concacaf hexagonal round is set to begin in June and Whitmore is still weighing his options and will grade the quality of his locals contingent against Bermuda. Vassell believes the local group will give Whitmore something to think about when selecting his final squad for the qualifiers.

“I was once a local, so I have been in this position. It is a good thing for the guys playing in the local league to show the coach what they can do at this level, and to show (they have) what is going to take to reach that next level to play in the world cup qualifiers. Most of the (local) guys are at an international level, so this is a good challenge for them to go in the game and get some goals and have a good performance,” he said.

“They have been showing good quality in training, but we haven’t play any practice games to see what is what. But the guys are putting in the work on and off the field and it’s just for them to come game day and do what they have been doing in training,” he continued.

Nevertheless, he is confident this local core will not disappoint tomorrow. “It’s just to stick as a team and pull through each other. I am expecting a good performance but anything can happen on the day because the ball is round. So you have to be ready, as there are a lot of guys that play internationally, guys in England so it’s a hard task getting into the squad for the World Cup qualifiers, you just have to be ready and this is the game to showcase their skills and talent, so good luck to them,” he commented.

NO CLUB

Vassell, who last represented Phoenix Rising in the United Soccer League (US second tier league), is not currently under contract with a club after a deal to play in Asia fell through recently. But the former Harbour View star also intends to make a big impression.

“I know I am short on match condition but I am always ready for anything, so I am prepare for this game. If the coach call on me, I will be there for sure. I have been training, hopefully, I can do what I am supposed to because you can’t be sure of where you stand (in the team) right now. It’s a tough task and there are a lot of players so you just have to keep improving and don’t settle for anything. I am always hungry for more and that’s the encouragement for me,” he said.