HEAD Coach Steve McClaren is imploring the Reggae Boyz to be clinical in front of goal in the first leg of their Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against the United States at the National Stadium on Thursday at 8 pm.

The second leg will be played in the United States the following Monday. McClaren announced the 24-man squad for both matches during a virtual press conference on Saturday. It includes a first call-up for British-born midfielder Isaac Hayden, who plays for Newcastle United in the English Premier League (EPL). Winger Leon Bailey, who plays for Aston Villa in the Premier League, has also returned after a controversial self-imposed hiatus, as well as a suspension by Jamaica Football Federation.

Under McClaren’s guidance the Reggae Boyz failed to score in their last two home games against Cuba and Honduras. Their last home victory came in June when they defeated the Dominican Republic 1-0, which was previous Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson’s final game in charge. Striker Shamar Nicholson scored the lone goal of the match in Kingston.

“It is always a concern for us because we have not won at home since June, so that is a concern, and we are looking at reasons behind that and how we can play a little differently to make sure that we are more of a threat,” he said. “But in saying that, the first game against Cuba — don’t get me wrong, Cuba was a very difficult opponent to break down — we created 27 chances, many of which were good chances, so I wasn’t too concerned.

“I think the Honduras game was very strange in the fact that neither team wanted to win the game, nor did they want to lose, because a draw satisfied both teams once we knew the results in the other games. I was very disappointed after the game, and I want to see a big improvement in terms of scoring goals and creating chances. We are looking into that and making sure that the National Stadium becomes what we call The Office again.”

McClaren confirmed during the press conference that Bailey has fully recovered from the injuries which kept him out of the previous two FIFA windows, and he is glad to have him back in the squad. Hours later, he played 65 minutes in a 2-0 loss for Aston Villa against hosts Liverpool in the EPL.

“He was so unlucky to miss the first two camps due to injuries, and he really struggled with some niggles that have been hampering him,” McClaren said. “But now, he’s had two or three weeks where he has gotten his fitness back after missing the last camp, and he is playing 90 minutes regularly now.

“I have spoken to him and I said, ‘Finally, we are going to see Leon Bailey.’ He is absolutely delighted and can’t wait to come over and be part of the squad — and he is very keen to do that.”

West Ham United striker Michail Antonio, who is included in the squad, will be ineligible for the first game due — to yellow card accumulation — but will be eligible to play in the second match.

Squad

Andre Blake

Jahmali Waite

Shaquan Davis

Dexter Lembikisa

Tayvon Gray

Damion Lowe

Mason Holgate

Ethan Pinnock

Richard King

Di’Shon Bernard

Amari’i Bell

Greg Leigh

Joel Latibeaudiere

Isaac Hayden

Karoy Anderson

Kasey Palmer

Tyreek Magee

Leon Bailey

Kaheim Dixon

Shamar Nicholson

Romario Williams

Demarai Gray

Renaldo Cephas

Michail Antonio

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz forward Michail Antonio (left) prepares to kick the ball under pressure from Luis Vega of Honduras during the Concacaf Nations League A encounter at the National Stadium on Monday, October 14. (Garfield Robinson)

Jamaica’s Leon Bailey plays a pass during their Concacaf Gold Cup football match against Guadeloupe at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on July 16, 2021. Photo: AFP