Bailey boost for Boyz

THE REGGAE Boyz squad received a boost for its upcoming Concacaf World Cup-qualifying matches away against El Salvador on November 12 and the United States at home on the 16th, with the inclusion of Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, for the first time, in the qualifiers.

Bailey, who is seen as key to coach Theodore Whitmore’s plans and the national team’s success, has been plagued by injuries since the summer.

However, the 24-year-old played the last two games for his club, this after missing the first six qualifying games, and now looks forward to making his World Cup qualifying debut against the Central Americans.

Despite his injury-plagued season, Bailey started his English Premier League (EPL) career quite brightly, scoring once and providing two assists in four matches. Jamaica’s coach, Whitmore, will hope the wily winger can bring his form to the qualifiers and provide the team with much-needed inspiration to lift them up the points standings.

The squad also welcomes the return of leading West Ham forward Michail Antonio, who missed the September qualifiers.

Antonio, who has a troublesome hamstring, is mandated to travel with his club’s physiotherapist for international games. However, there were difficulties in meeting that requirement for the October FIFA match window, and Antonio missed the previous games against Canada and Honduras.

Philadelphia Union forward Cory Burke, who missed the two last games through injury, and Lamar Walker, who was excluded, also make their return to the squad. Derby midfielder Ravel Morrison, who scored in Jamaica’s 2-0 away win in Honduras in their last game, also gets a recall.

However, there is no place for local favourite Tyreke Magee and Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock.

POINTS TABLE

Jamaica currently sit sixth in the points table with five points. Mexico lead the standings with 14 points; followed by the United States on 11; Canada, 10; Panama, eight; and Costa Rica, six. They are followed by El Salvador (five) and Honduras (three). All the teams have already played six of their 14 matches.

The full squad reads: Dwayne Blake, Dillon Barnes, Jaedin White, Liam Moore, Adrian Mariappa, Damion Lowe, Kemar Lawrence, Oniel Fisher, Gregory Leigh, Alvas Powell, Anthony Grant, Ravel Morrison, Devon Williams, Je-Vaughn Watson, Lamar Walker, Bobby Reid, Junior Flemmings, Cory Burke, Javon East, Shamar Nicholson, Andre Grey, Michail Antonio, Kemar Roofe and Leon Bailey.

– LS