Boyz can qualify for 2022 World Cup - Hector

National defender Michael Hector says that the national programme is heading in what he considers the right direction, and he is confident that the country can qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

Hector told The Gleaner that the Reggae Boyz have been making good progress over the years and the local-based players have been making tremendous strides in their development on the field.

"I think we are in a good place for the next World Cup qualifiers," said Hector. "We can add a few players here and there, but we are in a good place right now," he said.

"The local players from Jamaica are training very well and it is good to see that they are testing themselves, because there are more personalities, and, for me, the standard is getting better," Hector said.

CONSISTENCY NEEDED

"We should be qualifying for World Cups because we have been to two Gold Cup finals and we are not a bad team, but we just need to put the consistency together and do it in the World Cup qualifiers, because we have done it the Gold Cup," he said.

The 26-year-old Hector, who recently signed a one-year loan deal with English Championship club Sheffield Wednesday from Chelsea, turned in an outstanding performance for the Reggae Boyz in their 4-0 win against Cayman Islands in the Concacaf Nations League on Sunday at the National Stadium.

Hector, who was making a return to the national side after a two-year absence, added that he was very delighted to be back in the national side.

"It has been a long time coming to play for the national team, but I have been waiting for the call-up and finally, it has come," said Hector.

"I am grateful for it and my family is proud, and it is a privilege every time I put on the Jamaican jersey," he said.

"It is a positive environment now and the manager has got the team in a good team spirit; and for me, it is a good environment to play in," he said.