With Mason Greenwood one step away from representing the Reggae Boyz, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts says the Marseille star will make a major difference to the national team and is calling for local fans to support him.

After recent media reports, Ricketts confirmed to the Jamaica Observer that England-born Greenwood, who is eligible to represent Jamaica through his mother, has officially received his Jamaican passport, ending the year-long paperwork process.

“His citizenship was approved, his passport was sent to him and all the documentation are in place,”Ricketts says.

It means that the former Manchester United prospect only needs to receive an international transfer certificate clearance from the English Football Association (FA) after representing England in a Nations League match against Iceland in September 2020.

The Observer understands that a crucial aspect of the transfer involves Greenwood signing a letter confirming that his change of allegiance is final and cannot be undone, which would effectively exclude him from future England squads. It’s understood that this requirement has historically posed a challenge for UK-based players, as they often remain interested in potential call-ups to their country of birth.

While not speaking to Greenwood directly, Ricketts says he’s confident that the 23-year-old will be part of the senior men’s squad in September.

“I got his father’s number yesterday and I sent him a message,” Ricketts says. “We haven’t personally spoken yet but our agent would have had some discussions with them and they seem to be ready and okay.

“I’ve not spoken to Coach McClaren since last week but indications are that he’s having some discussions with them. It’s just for him to make the announcement inviting him and then seeing the response.”

The Reggae Boyz begin the final round of Concacaf World Cup Qualifying next month. They need to top their group, consisting of Curacao, Bermuda, and Trinidad and Tobago to book their spot in next year’s tournament.

Though many are concerned following the team’s first-round exit at the Concacaf Gold Cup in June, Ricketts says Greenwood, who scored 21 league goals for French club Marseille last season, can elevate the team and guide it to glory.

“If he comes in the right frame of mind, sharp, fit and healthy, then he’s going to impact the programme in a huge way because I think he’s a good player, he’s excellent, he uses both feet well and he’s very sharp upfront,” he says.

“Somehow, I think he would really give us that kind of motivation because Greenwood is Greenwood. I’m sure he will bring more persons into the stadium and I think he’ll influence the team in a positive way.”

There has been opposition to Greenwood’s involvement in the national set-up due to his actions off the field.

In 2022, he was charged with attempted rape and assault following leaked images and videos online. The charges were dropped in February 2023 but he was let go by Manchester United six months later. The club had suspended him a year earlier.

Ricketts, though, says Jamaican fans should give their support to Greenwood once he dons the national colours.

“We just have to embrace him, he would have chosen to represent us,” he says. “He was exonerated so based on that, we must show him some love, we must embrace him and hope that he embraces us and embraces our programme.

“He wasn’t found guilty so I must implore Jamaicans to embrace the young man and hope that he delivers when he goes on the pitch for us. The big picture is to go to the World Cup and I’m sure he can influence the programme and the process going forward.”

If selected, Greenwood would be in line to play away to Bermuda on September 5 before making his debut at the National Stadium on September 9 against Trinidad and Tobago.

Mason Greenwood during his time at La Liga club Getafe.

Jamaica Football Federation president Michael Ricketts

Reggae Boyz Head Coach Steve McClaren (right) issues instructions to members of Jamaica’s national senior team during a training session at the National Stadium on September 5, 2024 ahead of the team’s Concacaf Nations League match against Cuba today. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)