Bermuda’s Wells to miss Reggae Boyz friendly

HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC):

Bermuda’s national coach, Kyle Lightbourne, has confirmed that top striker Nahki Wells will miss this week’s friendly against Jamaica in Montego Bay, but says former captain Reggie Lambe will make the trip.

Lightbourne confirmed Lambe, a midfielder with English League Two club Cambridge United, as a starter when he named his 18-man squad on Friday.

With Wednesday’s match falling outside of the international break, professional clubs are not obligated to release their players.

Wells, who joined English Championship outfit Bristol City in the January transfer window, will miss the trip along with a number of teammates including goalkeeper Dale Eve, captain Dante Leverock, Justin Donawa, and Kacy Milan Butterfield.

However, Lightbourne noted the inclusion of several overseas professionals with the return to the national set-up of striker Jonté Smith of English League Two club Cheltenham Town, and midfielder Willie Clemons, who plays his football in Sweden with Dalkurd, as well as Lambe.

Michael Ricketts, the Jamaica Football Federation president, has already said the home squad will comprise locally based players.

Jamaica are ranked 48th in the world, 120 positions above Bermuda, who lost 3-2 to Jamaica in Kingston in a Caribbean Cup qualifier in the previous meeting between the two countries in 1997.