FORWARD Tajay Grant and goalkeeper Daniel Russell are among the local players looking to impress against Martinique this evening as they chase selection in next month’s Reggae Boyz squad for the decisive push toward this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

The Jamaica senior men’s team, led by interim head coach Rudolph Speid, are to take on the hosts in an international friendly at Stade Pierre-Aliker in Fort-de-France at 6:00 pm Jamaica time.

The match, falling outside the FIFA window, means players from the Jamaica Premier League will be given the opportunity, with the Europe and North America based players currently unavailable for selection.

It could be Jamaica’s last game before their play-off semi-final against Oceania’s New Caledonia on March 26 and potentially Africa’s DR Congo in the final on March 31.

Grant is set for his debut after a solid season so far with Racing United, scoring 12 goals in 22 appearances in the Jamaica Premier League.

The former national under-17 representative says he’s hoping to make an impact.

“I was very happy but, at the same time, I was nervous. To be called up is a very high honour and I’m grateful for it,” Grant said. “I’m looking forward to it, representing my country and trying to do my best to help the team, and to put on a show.”

Russell will also be looking for his first appearance for the Boyz, having been part of several training camps in the past.

The shot stopper has kept 10 clean sheets for Portmore United this season in 20 games, and will rival Mount Pleasant’s Tafari Chambers for a spot in goal this evening.

Russell is hoping to embrace the moment and help make a difference.

“It means a lot to me and it means a lot to my family. All of us are waiting on this chance from [the time I was] growing up,” he said. “We are waiting to play for our country. It means a lot to us. We just want to go there and make our country proud.

“I’m looking forward to this game, I’m looking forward to go there and experience, and express myself, and do my best.”

The 21-man squad arrived in Martinique in two delegations on Wednesday and Thursday, which meant training sessions were not ideal.

However, Grant says there’ve been no complaints as they head into the contest.

“The last few days have been good. The vibe is good with the players, and the coaches are welcoming, and I’m enjoying it. It’s high-intensity, high-quality and everything has to be on point — and I think I’m getting better.”

The last time the two teams met, Jamaica were held 1-1 at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in the 2014 Caribbean Cup.

Martinique are currently ranked 13th in Concacaf and went winless in their four games in 2025, which included two defeats against Suriname last March and one against Cuba in November.

The Reggae Boyz recorded a 1-0 win over Grenada last month in Speid’s first game in charge.

Racing United striker Tajay Grant (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Portmore United goalkeeper Daniel Russell