Jamaica’s Under-23 head coach Alfredo Montesso is impressed by the commitment shown by the 24-member squad preparing for the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) first round Olympic qualifiers to be staged in Suriname from August 3-7.

Speaking to the Sunday Observer during a practice session at St George’s College last Friday, the Brazilian said the footballers have done well despite limited preparation time.

“The preparation has been very good, though we’ve had a short time to put the team together. We have some very talented guys and they have responded very well. So far they are focussed, committed and showing plenty respect for the Jamaican jersey,” he said.

The Young Reggae Boyz squad, which will be trimmed to 18 before departure, on August 1, for the qualifiers, is scheduled to face St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Cayman Islands and Suriname in the four-team group.

The national squad will play promoted Premier League outfit Seba United today at Jarrett Park in St James at 4:00 pm. Their final preparation game is set for Wednesday against another promoted team, St Mary-based Highgate United.

On Thursday, the Under-23s drew 1-1 with a Manchester High squad, that featured past and present daCosta Cup players.

Montesso explained that he is still fine-tuning and added that he is expecting a boost with the inclusion of United States-based midfielder Evan Taylor.

“We are looking to reduce the training squad from 24 to the final 18 that will travel. I am looking to name the team after Sunday’s (today’s) game. We have two games left before we leave and I expect them to play organised and with good shape. We hope we can adjust the team in the best way.

“I’m expecting Evan Taylor to come into this team from the United States, and he is a player I know very well from being in the senior team,” he said.