LIMA, Peru — Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz will go into their friendly international against Peru today at the Estadio de La Unsa in Arequipa without a full training session here.

The most 79th ranked Jamaica had hoped for yesterday was a light workout and a team building session as the party was forced to overnight in Lima before leaving for Arequipa late yesterday afternoon.

“At all times we want to look at the positives and this (not having a full training session) could be a good experience for the young players who want to be professional footballers.

“It will be more of a sit-down one-on-one with the players or as a group, because there is not much we can achieve going out on the pitch,” head coach Theodore Whitmore told the Jamaica Observer yesterday.

The Jamaica chief tactician said the almost 7,000 feet above sea level altitude of Arequipa is of little concern, putting down the situation as a good experience, especially for the budding players in the squad.

However, it is generally accepted that at such distances above sea level the effects of high altitude can be considerable on humans, especially during physical activities.

“As I have said it will be an experience for these players, because if we want to be recognised on the big stage, these are the kinds of conditions that we will have to play under whether in Bolivia or Mexico City,” Whitmore noted.

The former Jamaica captain and France World Cup star said Peru, ranked 25th in the world, will bring their usual brand of football to the table today.

“We know the Peru team from over the years and we do not expect much change in their playing style as they are a hard-running team and they will never give up, but we will have to prepare ourselves against the odds,” noted Whitmore.

He said he expects that players will have in the back of their minds the recent passing of Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Captain Horace Burrell, but believes the professionalism will help them rise to the occasion.

“It will take a toll on us the loss of our president and a very sad moment for our football and even for those players who have been in contact with Captain over the years. Again we have to be professional, stand our ground and go out there and fight,” Whitmore said.

The head coach, who is on his second full stint in charge, said he could not at press time name a starting team to face the speedy Peruvians, but was due to make his final decision last night.

Je-Vaughn Watson, the veteran midfielder, said “the possibilities are good going into this match”.

“It’s clear that the boys are trying to put in the work and coach Whitmore is trying to put the best squad possible for the Gold Cup… and with games against a good team like Peru shows that we are putting in the work,” he told the Observer.

New York Red Bull defender Kemar Lawrence underlined the importance of today’s match in preparation for the upcoming Caribbean Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cup.

“Every game now is important if you are looking at the bigger picture and preparation is key now that we are looking at the Gold Cup, so we have to stamp our class in tomorrow’s game.

“I think all the guys know how important the game is, but sometimes the time when get in to play a game doesn’t help to prepare enough, but we will get together later (last evening) and will have a talk and see where we go from there,” he noted.

Goalkeeper Ryan Thompson, who now plies his trade in Trinidad with Central FC, said quality games will always serve to boost the team allround ahead of crucial tournaments.

“It’s always important when we get quality opponents so we can get the chance to test our skill and see where we are at as a team. It’s going to be quick football from them (Peru), with their players sprinting on and off the ball, but we have good pace in our squad and we can keep up with that,” he shared.

Jermaine Taylor, who is with new MLS franchise Minnesota FC, also underscored the significance of this evening’s contest.

“This game is very important because I think it will be the only game of this quality we will have before the Caribbean Cup and the Gold Cup, so we have to approach it really seriously, and it is good to do well so we can carry the moment from here into the Caribbean Cup and the Gold Cup.

“I have not played against them in a while, but I know what they bring as they are very dynamic and very tactical, they are very speedy, but how I approach games is to think of what you want to do,” said Taylor.

Jamaica and Peru have met twice before — in a 2006 friendly in Kingston where the game had a 1-1 draw and again in 2010 at Lockhart Stadium in Florida where the Boyz lost 1-2.

Peru are using today’s encounter to prepare for upcoming Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying matches.

Jamaica Squad: Alvas Powell (Portland Timbers), Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union), Cory Burke (Bethlehem Steele), Je-Vaughn Watson (New England Revolution), Oniel Fisher (Seattle Sounders), Ryan Thompson (Central FC — T&T), Romario Williams (Charleston Battery), Sergio Campbell (Pittsburgh Riverhounds), Shaun Francis (San Jose Earthquakes), Kemar Lawrence (NY Red Bulls), Jermaine Taylor (Minnesota United FC), Jermaine Johnson (Tivoli Gardens FC — JAM), Michael Binns (Portmore United — JAM), Owayne Gordon (Montego Bay United — JAM), Ewan Grandison (Portmore United — JAM), Ladale Richie (Montego Bay United — JAM), Rosario Harriott (Harbour View FC — JAM), Shamar Nicholson (Boys’ Town FC — JAM), Fabian Grant (Harbour View FC — JAM), Tevin Shaw (Tivoli Gardens FC — JAM).