BY HOWARD WALKER

Senior staff reporter

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras — Captain Shandel Senior celebrated his 16th birthday on Saturday, but he will have to wait a few more days before he can really get that gift he dreams of most — World Cup qualification for his Under-17 Reggae Boyz.

Senior, who was appointed skipper last week while on tour in Costa Rica, believes Jamaica have a very good chance of qualification despite the early 0-2 setback against Honduras in their opening game.

“We still have a great chance if we just put these four matches away and get 12 points and we will be going to the World Cup,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Senior, who is from Cornpiece in Hayes, Clarendon, has grown leaps and bounds since joining the team as one of the youngest players.

The holding midfielder has represented Vere Technical High School in the ISSA daCosta Cup for the last two years and was one of Jamaica’s standout players in their opening game loss to Honduras on Friday.

But he remains focused on the job at hand, noting that the vibes in the camp is still high. “Good vibes. They are holding up their heads and looking for the next match where we will start our winning run,” said Senior.

In a game where Jamaica had nine shots on target, Senior’s fierce drive from just outside the box almost pulled Jamaica level before they conceded the second goal against the run of play.

“It was rough out there,” admitted the skipper, who was a tower of strength in the middle of the park.

“After the first goal, pressure was really out there. But after we settled down we saw that Honduras was not better than us, so we just play our ball,” he added.

Senior, who looks to the Spanish duo Cesc Fabregas and Sergi Bosquets for inspiration, said the players have taken his elevation to captain very well.

“They have reacted good because I motivate them and they also help me out as the captain,” he noted.

Senior explained that his good behaviour, tactical awareness and skills as a good communicator are some of his attributes that helped propel him to the skipper role.

“It was a great feeling when I was told (that I was going to be the captain). I am one of the youngest and I am the captain,” said Senior, who wants to play professional football, ideally at Manchester United in England.