ALTHOUGH born and raised in the USA, Inter Miami defender Ian Fray says he’s keen on helping the country of his heritage, Jamaica, qualify for the FIFA World Cup next year.

Fray is part of the Reggae Boyz 26-man squad for the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers away to Curacao on Friday, and Bermuda on Tuesday at the National Stadium.

The 23-year-old, who qualifies to represent the island through his Jamaican father, was called up for the September international window but didn’t make the trip, following talks with Inter Miami.

This time, however, he’s made the journey and participated in the team’s training session on Tuesday at Sabina Park. Fray, who can play centre back, full back and defensive midfield, says he’s pleased with the acclimatisation process so far.

“It’s been really nice. There’s a lot of energy, the guys are really welcoming; it’s been really fun,” he said. “It was a really good day of practice here. It’s hot, but it’s just like it is in Miami so it’s not a problem. But everyone’s been really good, really good here. The players have got a lot of talent so it’s good.”

The Fray family is no stranger to Jamaican football as his father Michael played for the youth team and his sister Marlee Fray has played for the Reggae Girlz at the under-20 and under-17 level.

Ian, is now looking to not only continue the family tradition but also to end Jamaica’s near three-decade wait to return to the World Cup.

“[The team] set us up here to go into these next games really good,” he said. “Six points out of two games? You can’t ask for a better start than that. Most importantly, we’re focused on Curacao — and we’re going to get three points there.”

Despite quality in the Jamaican squad, Fray is unlikely to be star struck as he plays his club football with arguably the greatest player of all time, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, as well as Spain legend Sergio Busquets and Uruguay star Luis Suarez.

In fact, Fray witnessed the sold-out crowd at the National Stadium in March when Inter Miami played Jamaica Premier League champions Cavalier FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

That experience has him looking forward to playing in front of the home fans next week, when the Reggae Boyz could clinch a spot to next year’s tournament.

“It was a little different there because we heard the away team coming in — and everyone’s cheering for Cavalier because it’s the hometown club — and now to be able to represent my country here in Jamaica, I’m really excited for it,” Fray said.

Jamaica are the group leaders with six points after wins over Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago last month. Two more wins would see Steve McClaren’s men qualify for the World Cup.

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