The Observer continues to feature some of the leading players ahead of the friendly international between the Reggae Boyz and Costa Rica st the National Stadium on Sunday, September 5. Today we take a look at midfielder Omar Daley.

OMAR Daley, born on 25 April 1981, in Kingston, Jamaica, is an exciting midfielder who is being used as a winger for Bradford City in England’s League Two.

The speedy player, appeared for the Jamaican Under-20s in the 2001 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, alongside current Reggae Boyz teammate Shavar Thomas.

Daley, affectionately called ‘Ratty’, can play wide on both flanks, and also in the flanking midfield positions. He has also been used as a striker and a right back for his country.

Daley’s football career started at Glenmuir High School, before he ran out for local sides Central Strikers, Israel and Value P, and also before he moved to Hazard United (now Portmore United). He had a trial with Brazilian side Vasco Da Gama in 2001, before he first went to England in 2002 for trials with Charlton Athletic and Everton.

In August 2003, he signed a year-long loan spell with Division One side Reading after impressing on trial in a 7-0 victory over Northampton. Daley played just seven games, all as a substitute, for Reading.

The following season he signed another loan deal, this time with Preston North End and joined Jamaican teammates Ricardo Fuller and Claude Davis. He left Preston by mutual consent in January 2005 after 17 appearances and returned to Portmore United.

In June 2005, Daley helped Portmore win the National Premier League, but in 2007, Daley joined Bradford City alongside Boyz Donovan Ricketts and Jermaine Johnson. He was outstanding for them and was voted Player of the Season in the 2007/2008 season.

Going into the 2008/2009 season, Daley picked up a severe injury, which kept him out of the game for eight months and he missed the Gold Cup. Still, he was named in the best 11 in his division in League Two.

Daley, known for his eye-catching goal celebrations, last played for Jamaica in a friendly international against Nigeria in London in February 2009. And the charismatic player is eager to get back into a Jamaica shirt.