McFarlane itching for national call-up

In 2012, striker Sean McFarlane was invited to Jamaica for a trial organised by national senior men’s football team head coach Theodore Whitmore at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex in Tivoli Gardens.

The Florida-based McFarlane was, however, asked by coach Whitmore to play at right back during the trial stint, to which he obliged. The Trench Town native enjoyed his new role so much, he has continued in that position to this day, plying his trade in the United Soccer League (USL) with the Austin Bold Football Club in Texas.

McFarlane would go on to make his international debut with the Jamaica Under-20 national team during the qualifying stage for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2012.

He would score in just his second appearance with the team in a 3-0 win over Suriname. In all, he made 15 appearances with the Jamaican youth team, and he was a member of the senior Reggae Boyz squad that finished as the runner-up in the 2015 Concacaf Gold Cup in the United States.

Fast-forward five years, and those fond memories have rekindled a fire for another taste of international football, and the 27-year-old is hoping that Whitmore will give him another chance to showcase his talent.

DIFFERENT STYLE

“I want to wear that Reggae Boyz jersey again. It’s always my dream to play for my country, and I believe I can bring a different style,” said McFarlane.

The former Miami FC player, who is also eligible to play for the United States due to his dual citizenship, says he admires and models his game on Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“I consider myself to be a speed- and power-based player with good agility and ability to cross the ball well,” McFarlane said. “Good right backs can advance and have the quality and speed to get back into their defensive role, and I believe I have that.”

Having played all 33 games and scored three goals at right back for Bold last season, McFarlane has attracted attention from other USL teams, as well as some in Major League Soccer and Europe.

With the new USL season suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, the former University of Florida player has been utilising the time at home cooking and spending time with his dog.

McFarlane eagerly anticipates the resumption of football as he one day hopes to fulfil his dream of playing for his favourite club in the English Premier League.

“I would love to play for Chelsea,” he said. “As a footballer, you dream of the day when you can play professional football for your favourite team.”