FOOTBALL coach Vassell Reynolds says English-born forward Mason Greenwood will have no time to settle whenever he joins the Reggae Boyz team, noting that the player must deliver immediately in the high-stakes environment of the World Cup qualifiers.

Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts confirmed that the 23-year-old, who plays for Marseille in the French Ligue 1, has obtained his Jamaican passport and is expected to be available for the final round of Concacaf World Cup qualifying matches next month.

Greenwood, a former Manchester United player, made one appearance for England in 2022 before being sent home from camp for breaking COVID-19 protocols.

Reynolds told the Jamaica Observer that while he welcomes Greenwood’s inclusion, he admitted to having mixed feelings about the timing.

“The team is struggling in terms of chemistry, and there is no question about his qualities and what he can add,” Reynolds says. “But he and the team have no time to build chemistry or settle down. They have to hit the ground running, especially at this cagey stage of the competition where there is no camp or friendly games before the start of the final round. So, I am hoping he can execute immediately.”

Reynolds, who is the head of reigning Manning Cup champions Kingston College, says while Greenwood’s talent is undeniable, mental readiness will be key.

“He is a very good player but I hope he is at that mental stage to produce the goods we know he is capable of producing, given the issues that have surrounded his football in recent times. Hopefully the team will benefit from his inclusion.”

Harbour View FC General Manager Clyde Jureidini agrees, mentioning the challenges faced by other high-profile, England-based recruits.

“I would have preferred if he had been here at least a year or so before,” Jureidini says. “What we have seen from some of the more talented English-based players like Demarai Grey, and before him of course, Leon [Bailey] — he came with a lot of expectations because there was a lot of talk before he came. And I think it has caused him to play under pressure and hasn’t performed to the optimum that I think the Jamaican public [expected], and I surely would have expected him to play better.

“Demarai Grey came and was a whiz when he just came here and was outstanding but the last two or three times that he has come, he was not as potent a player. I don’t know if he has lost the motivation or if it is stress.

“I hope Greenwood comes highly motivated, prepared, and ready to make an impression because he has to hit the ground running. Overseas professionals are expected to bring a higher level of performance than local players and deliver high-grade performances on the pitch.”

REYNOLDS…I am hoping he can execute immediately

JUREIDINI…I hope Greenwood comes highly motivated, prepared, and ready to make an impression