Steve McClaren has named the Reggae Boyz squad for the Gold Cup prelims, featuring nine players from the Jamaica Premier League, with Leon Bailey, Demarai Gray, Andre Blake, and Shamar Nicholson leading the selections
Warner Brown, Jamaica Premier League leading scorer (Photo: JFF)
Mason Greenwood has not been included in the Reggae Boyz 23-man squad for their Concacaf Gold Cup qualifiers against St. Vincent and the Grenadines on March 21 and 25.
However, nine players from the Jamaica Premier League have been called up, joining Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, Demarai Gray, Shamar Nicholson of Tijuana, Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock, Leicester City forward Bobby Reid, and Charlton Athletic’s Kaheim Dixon among the selections.
“It’s great that we can name nine local players,” said head coach Steve McClaren. “Obviously, injuries have impacted the squad, but this also gives them an opportunity. The camp we had a few weeks ago, including two games against Trinidad, allowed me to work with them for nearly five days. It gave me great insight into their abilities and characters, and I really enjoyed that camp. Working with them has given me confidence in selecting them for the squad.”
Among the local players earning an opportunity is Arnett Gardens forward Warner Brown, who was called up due to Michail Antonio’s injury. “Antonio was obviously our number one, and Romario Williams was also effective in the two games,” McClaren explained. “So Warner Brown has the chance this week to prove himself and secure a place for the future. I liked what I saw from him in camp—he’s a goal scorer, quick, makes runs behind defenders, and has a sharp eye for goal. We don’t have many options in the number nine position, so this is a big opportunity for him.”
Regarding Mason Greenwood’s situation, head coach Steve McClaren elaborated, "The ball is in his court. We're in contact all the time, including with his family, and I'm very confident that all he wants to do is play for Jamaica. Every conversation is, 'I only want to play for Jamaica,' and it's up to him when he wants to move forward with that."
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