‘Whisper’ Richards could play key role in World Cup qualifier against Curacao — McClaren
WILLEMSTAD, Curacao — Despite the late addition of Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards to the Reggae Boyz squad, head coach Steve McClaren, says the Chelsea winger could play a role in Friday’s game against Curacao in their Concacaf World Cup Qualifier at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Curacao.
Richards is expected to land at the Curaçao International Airport later this afternoon after boarding his flight from London.
The 19-year-old got the call from McClaren on Tuesday following a groin injury to Demarai Gray in training which forced him to fly back to his club Birmingham City, in England.
Richards, who recently returned from a long-term injury, hasn’t played for the national team since October 2023 but has returned to the pitch for Chelsea’s under-21s, scoring twice in six appearances so far this season.
Though Richards won’t have any training time with the team prior to Friday’s game, McClaren says he will be needed due to their current situation.
“We have three wingers in Kaheim (Dixon), Tyreece Campbell and (Renaldo) Cephas, and we need another one. They have all the energy and do all the work, so we need replacements for them, so it’s important we bring somebody in,” he said.
“I’ve followed Whisper since I got the job. He had an injury last season; we followed his progress during this summer and been in contact with Chelsea every week about his condition. He’s been getting minutes — he played 90 minutes last week, and he’s somebody who I’ve always wanted to have in the squad, to have a look and also have a look at his character, personality and how he fits into the group, so I thought this was the perfect time to bring him in.”
Richards, who has one goal in 10 appearances for the Reggae Boyz, is likely to start as a substitute on Friday.
Aside from the suspended Isaac Hyaden and Kasey Palmer, all the other members of Jamaica’s 26-man squad trained on Thursday morning at the Hato Stadium, with no injury concerns following its completion.
Match time on Friday is 7:00 pm local time, 6:00 pm Jamaica time. The Boyz lead Group B on six points, and a win against Curacao, on four points, would take them a step closer to qualifying for next summer’s FIFA World Cup.
