McClaren anticipates ‘tough’ fixtures against T&T
Published:Monday | February 3, 2025 | 5:01 PMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
REGGAE BOYZ head coach Stephen McClaren has predicted that the upcoming two-match friendly internationals against Trinidad and Tobago will be tough.
A 28-man squad was announced by the Jamaica Football Federation yesterday to face Trinidad and Tobago on February 6 at the Montego Bay Sports Complex and February 9 at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.
“We expect a very tough challenge, and with Dwight (Yorke) coming in, he will definitely add that experience,” McClaren said at yesterday’s press conference to announce the squad.
“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,” McClaren added.
McClaren said he is hoping that the 28 mainly local-based players will take full advantage of their opportunity against quality opponents in order to nail down a permanent spot in the senior team.
“What I’m hoping for is similar to what happened the last time. Three players emerged from that camp – Richard King, Kaheem Dixon, and Shaquan Davis – and became regular players in our squad. That was great to see, and that’s the incentive for everyone involved in this campaign,” McClaren added.
Among the 15 players earning their first cap is Antigua and Barbuda-born striker Jalmaro Calvin of Jamaica Premier League (JPL) club Cavalier. The 21-year-old was joint third in last season’s Golden Boot race and went on to claim top honours in this season’s Concacaf Caribbean Cup. The impressive Calvin is the current leading scorer in the JPL with 11 goals. According to McClaren the skilful player is one the federation has been eyeing for a while.
“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. 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 head coach of Trinidad and Tobago outlined that the friendly internationals will give his coaching staff the chance to develop their style of play.
“These games will give us a good opportunity to view our players and integrate our philosophy and ideas. We looked at every player available, and these games will bring us closer to what we want to accomplish,” Yorke said.
Reggae Boy 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 United), 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).