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Magee: I am happy to be back
October 09, 2024
Reggae Boyz attacking midfielder Tyreek Magee is excited about his immediate future under new coach Steve McClaren, and is looking to 'impact' the two upcoming Concacaf Nations League matches against Nicaragua and Honduras.
Magee's selection in the most recent squad has generated a lot of excitement among many fans who have long been calling for the 25-year-old's inclusion, and the player, who currently plays for the Colorado Switchbacks FC in the United Soccer League (USL), is hoping to do well.
"I am definitely happy to be back in the squad. It's been a while and I am looking forward to it. I am just excited because I haven't been here for a while. I think I have been doing well (with club) and when I got the call I was really excited," he disclosed.
"Definitely looking forward to the games. I need to affect the games as much as possible, whatever minutes I get I need to make the most of it. So I am really looking forward to the two games."
The former Jamaica College star spent two years in Belgium's top flight with KAS Eupen, but due to lack of playing time moved to the Switchbacks last year, where he has had some very outstanding performances.
The player credits his growth and improvement to his change in mentality and having a greater purpose in trying to reach his full potential as a player.
"I feel like it's more mentally (for my improvement). I have done a lot of soul searching and stuff. I was just thinking to myself what I want from football and I feel like it has been helping me so far," he stated.
He is now enjoying his football again, even though the game in the United States is tougher physically than it is in Belgium.
"It's different (playing in Colorado). There's a lot of travelling and stuff like that and for some reason I feel like in the USL there is more running than in Belgium. I feel like it is more physical. In Belgium it was more on the ball. But I am really enjoying my football in the US at the moment though," he commented.
Magee also looks forward to the rare opportunity of playing with his former Harbour View and Jamaica College teammate Norman Campbell for the first time in the national team.
"It is not something that happens that much. So I want to embrace it. We grew up in the same community (Back Bush off Mountain View Avenue) as well. So I am definitely looking forward to playing with him for the country," he said.
Magee has represented the Reggae Boyz 10 times. His most notable appearances came in the 2019 Gold Cup, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Jamaica play Nicaragua in Nicaragua on Thursday, before facing Honduras on Monday at the National Stadium.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Andre Blake, Shaquan Davis, Jahmali Waite
Defenders: Damion Lowe, Ethan Pinnock, Mason Holgate, Di'Shon Bernard, Dexter Lembikisa, Jon Bell, Tayvon Gray, Richard King, Greg Leigh
Midfielders: Bobby DeCordova-Reid, Kasey Palmer, Joel Latibeaudiere, Tyreek Magee, Karoy Anderson
Forwards: Michail Antonio, Kaheim Dixon, Demarai Grey, Renaldo Cephas, Norman Campbell and Romario Williams
