Latest News
Hallgrimsson praises Boyz’ goalkeeper Boyce-Clarke
September 04, 2023
Jamaica's young goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke has made a big impression on the coaching staff, and Reggae Boyz honcho Heimir Hallgrimsson believes he is destined for great things.
Boyce-Clarke rose to prominence after a dominant display between the sticks in the Concacaf Under-20 qualifiers last year.
He was rewarded with his first senior call-up when he was named to the Jamaica squad to play Mexico in the Concacaf Nations League in March.
He then made his senior debut at the recent Gold Cup in the Reggae Boyz' 5-0 win over Saint Kitts and Nevis. After working with him for the last few camps, Hallgrimsson said the player has an infectious personality and is inspirational.
"He was so quick to adapt to the squad. That is the sign of a good character," Hallgrimsson told STAR Sports.
"He is hard-working. In our sessions, we fell in love with him. The first training we saw him, we were like, 'Wow, this is a good keeper'," he recalled.
Boyce-Clarke spent the last two seasons on loan with St Albans City and Wellings United but returned to Reading this season to be their No. 2.
Hallgrimsson said the goalkeeper has not disappointed in their opinion of him, and he expects the young shot-stopper to continue to grow and get better.
"He is physically strong and has a strong upper body and good feet, but overall, he is just a good character. I am looking forward to seeing his future.
"He has grown from No. 3 to No. 2 at Reading, and he is No. 1 in the Cup games, so he is on the correct pathway as he should be," Hallgrimsson said.
Boyce-Clarke was named to the Jamaica squad as one of three goalkeepers to play Honduras and Haiti in the Concacaf Nations League on Friday and next Tuesday.
The other goalkeepers are captain Andre Blake and Jahmali Waite.
