NYRON Nosworthy believes the defensive partnership comprising himself and Adrian Mariappa at Watford FC could benefit Jamaica in their quest for a place at the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

Both players, born and raised in England to Jamaican parentage, are selected in coach Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore’s squad for friendly internationals against Guyana on Friday in Montego Bay and a two-match series against Panama on May 27 in Kingston and June 1, in Panama City.

“I think our partnership could be good for Jamaica… in every partnership two strikers need to work together, or a couple of midfielders understanding each other, and the two centre-backs communicating with the goalkeeper,” he said.

Nosworthy, whose father is Jamaican, said he and Mariappa have established an “amazing” synergy and understanding for their English Championship side since he moved there on loan from Sunderland in 2011.

“Our partnership started with me coming in on loan there… we work well together, we read each other, we bounce off each other and also respect each other’s action. We have a very good understanding of each other on the pitch,” said the 31-year-old.

Nosworthy, who got his first call-up for the Reggae Boyz back in 2007 but could not take up the offer due to a hamstring injury, says he will bring to the Boyz outfit all-round defensive abilities.

“I can be very aggressive, but very sensible; I also read the game well… I can also mix it up with some passing,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Certainly, there is no such thing as a sure pick in nowadays football, and Nosworthy is very aware that he will have to work hard for his place against the likes of Mariappa himself, Claude Davis, Damion Stewart, Shavar Thomas and Jermaine Taylor in that centre of defence position.

Nosworthy, who grew up in Brixton, a predominantly black London community, is riding a wave of excitement for his second chance of wearing the Jamaican colours.

“This opportunity is priceless and it’s a great honour to get this chance to play international football and the desire is very strong… I am very happy as it has been a long time coming,” he beamed.

So pumped up is he, that he’s itching for his first training session, which was scheduled for today at Braco in Trelawny.

“I can’t wait to get the ball rolling with the first training session… also I am very much looking forward to that match Friday where we can get that match feeling, that match tempo,” Nosworthy said.

The former Gillingham player, who had loan spells with Sheffield United and Watford before signing permanently with the latter this year, said among his anxieties is to get a chance to meet the other lads in the team.

“I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and to get the chemistry going,” said Nosworthy, who is already in the island for a brief holiday before getting down to business.

He noted that a chat with head coach Whitmore was very interesting as the latter outlined in a “calm” but equally business-like manner his expectations of him.

“The coach is very calm, and he welcomed me and asked me if I am ready and he told me that he expects me to play some good football… I think his management skills are very good too,” said Nosworthy.

The Watford defender, who has settled into his new club’s first team, said he thinks Jamaica have as good a chance as anyone else to qualify for Brazil, and said he based this in part on the talent pool available to the coaching staff.

“In a serious way I have monitored the progress of Jamaica’s football, and I was most delighted to see a lot of the lads from Jamaica coming over to play professionally in England, so with those homegrown talent getting this kind of exposure and with the standard of their play, then that will be good for Jamaica,” Nosworthy opined.

He said he has vivid memories of when Jamaica created history and qualified for the France 1998 World Cup, which triggered exhibition of great pride across England.

“It was like a carnival atmosphere, and we just couldn’t wait to see them touch the (World Cup) pitch… and we in England supported them a hundred per cent,” he reminisced.

Jamaica open their CONCACAF World Cup semi-final qualification campaign against Guatemala at ‘The Office’ on June 8. They also have in their group Antigua and Barbuda and the USA, who they are yet to beat at this level.