PANAMA CITY, Panama — Two considered veterans of Jamaica’s national football programme did not mince words when they put the status of the World Cup qualifying campaign in perspective.

Rodolph Austin, the captain of English Championship side Leeds, said all members of the team are aware of what needs to be done when the Reggae Boyz face Panama tonight at the Rommel Fernandez Stadium in a contest that could decide their fate.

“Everyone knows the situation that we are in and everyone knows what it is going to take, so we just have to be together as a team… we have to give our all in the game and hopefully when we leave the pitch, we will have three points.”

The midfielder, who should start the game today, said the depth in the squad, if properly utilised, should be sufficient to overcome the bubbly Panamanians.

“It’s a very good squad, it’s now up to the coach to select the right team. We are thinking very positively at this time and we are only thinking to win at this time, and if we believe, we can do it,” said the former Portmore United standout.

Defender Jermaine Taylor, who plays his professional football with Houston Dynamo in the US MLS, suggested that the sooner the lads get their minds around the reality of the situation, the better. And he thinks they have.

“First and foremost we have to look at the situation that we are going to face and the reality about it… it’s a must-win game and we can’t do otherwise,” he told the Jamaica Observer prior to the team’s final training session on home soil at Stadium East Field on Wednesday.

Taylor, a former captain of Premier League champions Harbour View, could not hide his disappointment that his team is sitting at the bottom of the six-nation qualifying play-offs.

“Yes, I am disappointed when you look at the quality of the players and it’s really hard to see ourselves in this position, but when you look at it, it’s not hopeless when you look at where we can get… it’s going to be a tough game away from home, but we have to dig deep and put everything in it,” he said with an air of optimism and belief.

Meanwhile, assistant coach Vin Blaine said he is encouraged by the “positive vibes” in the team prior to their departure for Panama yesterday.

“I think the players are inspired by the approach of coach (Winfried) Schafer and I think that makes them comfortable…the vibe is very high because the players are allowed to express their opinion,” Blaine said from the Norman Manley International Airport, prior to the team’s departure by private charter.

“Even with the new formation (3-5-2) the coach just didn’t impose it, he asked the players’ opinions,

and with that approach, the players are comfortable,”

he added.

Blaine said that the upbeat mood of the players is an indication that success in Panama could be on

the cards.

“The atmosphere is right for the task at hand…the players are showing no worry or nerves and that’s the kind of positive energy that says that we could be in for a positive result,” Blaine ended.