Reggae Boyz return to training after humbling loss to Curacao
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz are to conduct their final training session at 10:00 this morning ahead of the final round Concacaf World Cup Qualifier against Bermuda on Tuesday at the National Stadium.
The national senior men’s team arrived in Kingston early Saturday morning following the tough 0-2 defeat away to Curacao at the Ergilio Hato Stadium which saw them fall to second in Group B on six points.
Curacao move top of the four-team group with seven points, while Trinidad and Tobago (four) are third and Bermuda, who are without a point, are last.
Head Coach Steve McClaren and his technical staff led training on Sunday morning at Stadium East with all members of the 26-man squad taking part.
Winger Dujuan “Whisper” Richards, who played just over 10 minutes as a late substitute in Friday’s encounter, completed his first training session with the team after arriving in Curacao on Thursday, hours after the team’s final pre-match session. The Chelsea player was a last-minute replacement for Birmingham City winger Demarai Gray who flew back to England after picking up an injury during training at Sabina Park last Tuesday.
Midfielders Isaac Hayden and Kasey Palmer, who both missed the Curacao game due to suspension, returned to training on Sunday and should be available for selection against Bermuda.
A win against the Bermudans, who are coming off three straight losses, would move the Reggae Boyz to nine points. It could potentially move them back to top spot if Curacao draw or lose to visitors Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday.
Only the group winner will automatically advance to next year’s World Cup while the second-place team could potentially qualify the inter-confederation play-offs.
— Daniel Blake
Jamaica’s Damion Lowe (right) kicks the ball under pressure from Kaheim Dixon during team training at Stadium East on Sunday. (Photos: JFF)
Kasey Palmer
Isaac Hayden (left) of Jamaica kicks the ball as Shamar Nicholson looks on during training.
Jamaica’s Andre Blake (foreground) makes a save as fellow goalkeeper Jahmali Waite looks on during team practice on Sunday.
