PUEBLA, Mexico — Not many footballers realise their dreams of playing at the international level, let alone in various positions on the field.

At least one Jamaican player has this distinction, having demonstrated the versatility to switch from tending goal for his country to actually transforming into a high-quality outfield player.

Shawn Lawes, it seems, would deserve a special place in the annals of Jamaica’s football for having kept goal for the Reggae Boyz at both the Under-15 and Under-17 levels and is now an integral part of the Under-20 defensive unit playing at centre half.

Lawes, 19, replaced captain Alvas Powell in the 79th minute against Puerto Rico, allowing him the rare, unique even, distinction of representing the country in official games as a goalkeeper and now as an outfield player.

A few years back, goalkeeper Leon Gordon played as an outfield player and actually scored for Jamaica in a practice match in Brazil.

But Lawes’ feat is remarkable as he is selected as a defender and was even the captain of the Under-20s before undergoing a toe surgery back in September.

“It’s a good feeling to know as a football player you can play everywhere. On any given day the coach can call upon you and tell you to do a job and you can get up and do it,” said Lawes.

The imposing Lawes, who played for Jamaica as a goalkeeper at the more junior levels, decided to make the switch to an outfield player two years ago.

“But the one reason why I leave the goalkeeping is because I don’t see scouts coming to Jamaica to take up any goalkeepers and I know I have the talent to go out there and play out,” he noted.

“I went to the national training as a central midfielder and the coach told me to play centre half and I know as a football player you must can play any position,” he noted.

Lawes, a past student of Norman Manley High School, has, arguably, the goal of the season last year in the KSAFA Super League while playing as a central midfielder for Barbican FC. He scored a stunning 25 metres volley against eventual champion Cavalier.

The youngster, who also played forward for Barbican, reveals that he is most comfortable in the middle of the park. “I feel much comfortable in central midfield because I have the assets, a nice kick and all of that,” he boasts.

But with his imposing figure, Premier League outfit Arnett Gardens swooped for his services as a central defender last summer, but a toe injury followed by surgery, delayed his debut until January.

He has so far made two appearances for the “Junglists” before national duties cut that short. But his lack of match fitness has seen him relegated to the bench for the Unded-20s.

“It’s getting there and the coaching staff is very good. They try to help me as best as possible coming off the surgery and getting me back and motivated,” said Lawes.

The versatile player, who idolises defender Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United and England fame and goalkeeper Ricardo of Portugal, has no doubt that Jamaica will qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

“I am very confident. As you look into the team you can see that it is very competitive and preparation was good. We just have to go out there and do the job. Nothing is put down for us, we have to go and take it,” said Lawes.

Jamaica are on three points after dispatching Puerto Rico 4-1, and with Panama due to take on Puerto Rico on Thursday, Jamaica might well be into the quarter-finals if Puerto Rico fail to win.