‘That’s the way to go’

During recent friendly internationals against Trinidad and Tobago in March, a number of young, fresh English-born players made their international debuts for Jamaica.

The five players named to Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad for the two friendlies included Chelsea’s starlet Omari Hutchinson, Dexter Lembikisa, Dante Cassanova (Tottenham) Tyler Roberts and Delano McCoy-Splatt of Fulham.

McCoy-Splatt, the Fulham’s under-18 captain who received high praise from local fans who witnessed his debut performance in the troubled central midfield position, believes the addition of young England-based recruits can help Jamaica get to the top.

In an interview with The Voice recently, the 18-year-old spoke highly of coach Hallgrimsson and his willingness to make time for any conversation or concerns he or other young players had.

He pointed out that having other England-based players in camp made the environment a lot more recognisable, and he believes the stage has been set for even more young England-based talent with Jamaican background to come into the fold and grow with the team.

LOADS OF YOUNGSTERS

“I was very familiar with the other youngsters. Dexter (Lembikisa) was at Fulham before he joined Wolves. Tyler (Roberts) I’ve seen before as well as Dante Cassanova.

“There are loads of youngsters, not just from Fulham, that have seen me go and have got in touch asking me how it was and saying that they’d want to play as well.

“So if Jamaica reaches out to other players, there are more guys than you think willing to play for them,” he disclosed.

The integration of McCoy-Splatt and other English youngsters is an indication of the cultural shift that is taking place, as there are even more England-based players in the under-20 and under-17 set-ups.

The player pointed out that in former years Jamaica called on more experienced players such as Adrian Mariappa, Jobi McAnuff, Garath McCleary, Michail Antonio for major tournament success and World Cup qualification.

However, that has failed to gain any recent success.

McCoy-Splatt prefers the approach the Hallgrimsson-led Jamaica is seemingly taking this time of integrating the players at a very young age.

“I think that’s the way to go. You see other countries do it and have the players in the set-up from young. You see it in England with players like Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who have been brought through the ranks. By getting in young players, the hunger will definitely be there.

“Our recruitment in the past of players nearer to the end of their careers gave the impression that these guys are choosing Jamaica because they realise they won’t get in an England squad.”

“For every World Cup squad that you know, those players were playing for years together, there’s a framework for the teams. It’s best for us to get these players in and have them playing early. If they want to represent Jamaica they can’t just wait until World Cup qualifying time,” he stated.

The player, who has declared his unwavering commitment to the Reggae Boyz cause, said it is now up to Hallgrimsson to strike the right balance between the experienced and young players, and his aim is to make himself a regular fixture with the Reggae Boyz going forward.

“Finding the balance of the younger players with the experienced will be important. A player like Omari, a very good player, getting him on board early can attract other players.

“I want to be a regular very soon, going to every camp and playing in games and maybe even getting call up to our next major competition. I aim high. I know my ability and I think it’s possible,” he said.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com