Whitmore pleased with attitude as Boyz prepare to defend Digicel Cup

Kwesi Mugisa, Gleaner Writer

Despite less-than-ideal training conditions at the National Stadium East field, Reggae Boyz head coach, Theodore Whitmore, admits to being impressed by the players' attitude as they went through their penultimate training session here before departing this morning for Martinique, where they will defend their Digicel Caribbean Cup title.

The heavily grassed and seemingly uneven playing surface at the stadium facility seemed far less than suitable for a national team preparing for a major regional tournament, and several players had issues with it. Notwithstanding that, Whitmore said the squad hasd worked had and the players were anxious for the tournament to get under way.

"Their attitude in training so far has been unbelievable. Sometimes we have had to take the pace down a notch. That is very unusual at this stage for a team getting ready to take part in a tournament like this. It tells us that they are ready to go," Whitmore told The Gleaner.

The composition and experience of the Jamaican squad, which will have at least six Major League Soccer (MLS) players, plus a few Europe-based professionals who are available for the tournament, should make the Boyz favourites to retain the crown.

While not being overly concerned by the favourites tag, the coach believes the team must guard against complacency.

"It is something that we have talked about - myself and the training staff are mindful of it - and we have communicated that to the players," Whitmore said.

"Whenever any of these Caribbean teams come up against Jamaica it will always be a tough game for us," he added. "We are prepared for that and look forward to the challenge."

Striker Omar Cummings, fresh from his success with the Colorado Rapids, who recently won the United States MLS Cup, reported to training on Tuesday, but did not take part in the training session due to a minor injury.

Norway-based striker Luton Shelton, who suffered a head injury after a collision with goalkeeper Dwayne Miller ahead of the team's last friendly international, a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica in Fort Lauderdale last week Wednesday, also missed a portion of Tuesday's training session.

Shelton, however, joined the squad for the final set of drills, and Whitmore expects to have both available for the tournament.

"They have had minor injuries, but the physios have been working with them and we expect them to be available."

Placed in Group I with Guyana, Guadeloupe and Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica will kick off their campaign against the Antiguans at the Stade En Camée in Martinique on Saturday. The country will be searching for its fifth title.