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McClaren: ‘Incentive’ for players to ‘improve our national team’ - Reggae Boyz coach names almost full squad from JPL for T&T friendlies
January 31, 2025
Identifying talent with enough quality to claim a regular spot in Jamaica's senior men's football team is Steve McClaren's goal in the upcoming friendly international matches against Trinidad and Tobago.
The Reggae Boyz coach stated his intentions at the Jamaica Football Federation's press conference on Thursday, where the coach named a 28-man squad of players almost exclusively from the Jamaica Premier League, and without the regular Europe-based professionals.
"What I'm hoping for is similar to what happened the last time. Three players emerged from that camp and became regular players in our squad in Richard King, Kaheem Dixon and Shaquan Davis," he said.
"That was great to see and, if I get another three from this camp to improve our national team, that's what I'm looking for and that's the incentive of everyone involved in this campaign," McClaren added.
Fifteen players earned a first-time Reggae Boyz call-up, including Antigua and Barbuda-born striker Jalmaro Calvin, who represents Cavalier Soccer Club in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL).
The 21-year-old was joint third leading goalscorer in last season's JPL, and went on to claim top honours in this season's Concacaf Caribbean Cup.
The impressive Calvin is the current leading goalscorer in the JPL with 11 goals and, according to McClaren, the skillful player caught his eye.
"From the first time I watched Cavalier, he's one that I've really admired. I immediately wanted him for the squad and they said that he plays for another country," McLaren revealed.
"Conversations went on and we heard that he wanted to represent Jamaica.So we're delighted to give him the opportunity to show us what he can do," McClaren said.
The friendly matches are set for 7:30 p.m. on February 6 at Montego Bay Sports Complex at Catherine Hall in St James; and on February 9 at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in Arnett Gardens, Kingston, at 8 p.m.
McClaren explained that he expects the matches to be competitive, especially with their opponents having Dwight Yorke as their head coach.
"We expect a very tough challenge and, with Dwight (Yorke) coming in, he will definitely add that experience. It will be difficult to prepare for the first game because we don't know what formation they'll be playing. So we have to focus and concentrate on our squad. Dwight is high-profile and he's a very good coach," he outlined.
McClaren's connections with England Premier League giant club Manchester United are well known, alike Yorke, who was a star striker at the club, leading them to the Premier League title.
JAMAICA SQUAD:
Goalkeepers:- Shaquan Davis (Mount Pleasant), Jahmali Waite (El Paso Locomotive), Benjamin Williams (Portmore United), Joshua Grant (New York Red Bulls).
Defenders:- Richard King (Cavalier), Jeovanni Laing (Cavalier), Christopher Ainsworth (Cavalier), Gadail Irving (Mount Pleasant), Robino Gordon (Vere Phoenix), Kyle Ming (Mount Pleasant), Fitzroy Cummings (Mount Pleasant), Stephen Young (Portmore United), Sue-Lae McCalla (Mount Pleasant), Maliek Howell (Las Vegas Lights).
Midfielders:- Jahshaun Anglin (Mount Pleasant), Demario Phillips (Montego Bay United), Romeo Guthrie (Portmore United), Dwayne Atkinson (Cavalier), Shamar Watson (Cavalier), Daniel Green (Mount Pleasant), Nathaniel Howe (Chapelton Maroons).
Forwards:- Warner Brown (Arnett Gardens), Ranaldo Biggs (Racing United), Shaniel Thomas (Montego Bay United), Jalmaro Calvin (Cavalier), Kimoni Bailey (Mount Pleasant), Raheem Edwards (Mount Pleasant), Kimani Arbouine (Arnett Gardens).
