Former Everton prospect and current West Brom loanee, Mason Holgate, joins Jamaica squad for Nations League fixtures; coach McClaren: "We are very close to securing his passport"
Former Everton's prospect, Mason Holgate (Photo: Getty Images)
West Bromwich Albion loanee Mason Holgate has earned his first call-up to the Jamaica national team ahead of their upcoming Concacaf Nations League fixtures, pending FIFA clearance, head coach Steve McClaren announced.
“We’ve been pursuing him since before I arrived. With significant help from the president, especially in pushing through passport applications for players with Jamaican heritage, we are now very close to securing his passport. He just needs FIFA clearance,” McClaren said during a Friday press conference.
The 27-year-old center-back, who wears the No. 3 jersey for the Baggies, will join the Reggae Boyz for their matches against Nicaragua and Honduras. Holgate, who previously made six appearances for England U-21, was once seen as a top prospect at Everton FC and has since had loan spells with Southampton, Sheffield United, and now West Bromwich Albion.
In addition to Holgate, midfielder Tyreek Magee has been recalled to the squad. "He’s a creative spark in midfield, someone who can change games," McClaren noted.
Reflecting on the team's recent performances, McClaren added: “We need to improve our progression into the middle and final third. We created 27 chances against Cuba, and had we won 1-0 or 2-0, we’d be satisfied with both the points and the chances created. There’s still room for growth in those areas.”
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