Despite representing the United States at various levels, New York Red Bulls defender Kyle Duncan says he’s eager to help the Reggae Boyz qualify for the World Cup due to his family’s Jamaican roots.

The 28-year-old is one of three new names called up by head coach Steve McClaren for Jamaica’s important Concacaf World Cup Qualifying fixtures against Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago beginning on Friday.

Duncan, who has played most of his professional career in Major League Soccer, has turned out for USA’s Under-18, Under-20 and Under-23 teams and even made a substitute appearance for the senior team in an international friendly against El Salvador in 2020.

However, Duncan is eligible to play for the Reggae Boyz through his parents, who were born and raised on the island. He says it’s a dream come true.

“Steve [McClaren] actually called me when I was at training. [I was] a little bit emotional, hard to process at the time because I didn’t know if I was going to get called up for this camp, just because we were trying to do the switch and everything,” Duncan said.

“I couldn’t process it, everybody was excited and they were asking me if I was excited, but at the time I was just like, wow, I’m going back to my dad’s hometown, I don’t want to let him down, I don’t want to let anyone down at that point. I don’t even want to let myself down. So just a bit of an emotional feeling and I’m glad to be here,” he added.

Duncan, who has over 160 appearances for the Red Bulls and was named defender of the year in 2020, says he’s already adjusting well following the team’s first training session on Tuesday at Sabina Park.

“[It’s a] nice experience. I already know a few of the players here, just because I watched Jamaica play in the Gold Cup and Nations League. [Renaldo] Cephas, Damion Lowe, who I also played with in MLS. So it’s been good, a little bit hot, the pitch is nice, good training session, easy training session, so it’s good.”

Duncan is joined by Sheffield Wednesday striker Bailey Cadamarteri as another new face in the squad.

The 20-year-old had previously been called up by former Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson in March 2024 but instead went on to play for England’s Under-19 team.

However, Cadamarteri, whose grandparents are Jamaican, says he’s been looking forward to representing the island at the senior level.

“When I found out that I received the call up for the World Cup qualifiers, I was over the moon and I can’t wait to get going,” he said.

“Obviously, I’ve wanted the call for some time now. I’ve been sorting my passport out, so then when I had the call from the coach and he told me that I’d be on this camp, I was delighted.”

Cadamarteri, who has 10 league goals since his professional debut in 2023, is pleased with what he’s seen so far.

“I had a good first session, got along well with the boys, so yeah, looking forward to the camp,” he said.

Inter Miami defender Ian Fray is the other newcomer to the team while Mount Pleasant Academy defender Jamoi Topey and teenager Ronaldo Barrett, who currently plays in Portugal, have been added to the 26-man squad.

There is doubt surrounding Demarai Gray’s participation after his English club Birmingham City didn’t include him in their list of players who would be going on international duty.

The 29-year-old, who has seven goals and seven assists in 27 international appearances, reportedly played through an injury during Birmingham’s game against Leicester City last Friday.

The Jamaica team is to arrive in Bermuda today ahead of the game on Friday before returning to Kingston over the weekend for the clash with Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday at the National Stadium.

The Reggae Boyz will be looking to top the group, which also consists of Curacao, as the winner will automatically secure a spot in next summer’s FIFA World Cup.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Shaquan Davis, Jahmali Waite, Tafari Chambers

Defenders: Damion Lowe, Richard King, Ethan Pinnock, Amari’i Bell, Kyle Duncan, Dexter Lembikisa, Greg Leigh, Mason Holgate, Jamoi Topey

Midfielders: Isaac Hayden, Ian Fray, Jon Russell, Kasey Palmer, Karoy Anderson, Kevon Lambert, Jahshaun Anglin

Forwards: Michail Antonio, Demarai Gray, Kaheim Dixon, Renaldo Cephas, Warner Brown, Tyreece Campbell, Bailey Cadamarteri, Shamar Nicholson, Ronaldo Barrett

New York Red Bulls defender Kyle Duncan poses with the Jamaican flag.

Jamaica’s Bailey Cadamarteri kicks the ball during a practice session at Sabina Park in Kingston on Tuesday. (Photo: JFF)

Jamoi Topey