Hinds sees opportunity for Boyz debutants

While Jamaica will go into their friendly against the United States of America (USA) on Thursday with limited preparation and personnel concerns, British journalist Rodney Hinds says that there are notable England-based players that are eager to prove their worth for the national set-up.

A total of eight English-born players have been called up as part of the 19-man squad for the Reggae Boyz, and six players that could make their international debuts.

Hinds says that the infusion of the new talent puts Jamaica in a position to have a strong squad to challenge for the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer and a spot at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar next year.

"It's a very interesting and intriguing time for Jamaican football because you feel a momentum building," Hinds told The Gleaner. "Players are making that level of commitment. The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) obviously reached out and put in some phone calls. I think everyone will be happy in the end."

However, the addition of those players comes with reported concerns that the paperwork has not yet been completed for some players ahead of the friendly. This comes as the team's preparations have been limited because of the cancellation of the local training to acquire travel documents to Austria. Reportedly, USA do not have objections to those players suiting up as long as they are in the process of applying for their passports. Amid the potential obstacles that it could bring to the friendly, Hinds says that patience will be required to complete the process.

"I think Jamaica, slowly but surely, are getting the players in the squad that they need," he said. "And yes, while the paperwork scenario is frustrating, they will get there. And if they don't, they've (JFF) only got themselves to blame."But these things take time in terms of getting them over the line."

West Ham's Michail Antonio, who confirmed his choice to represent Jamaica recently, is undergoing the process of acquiring his passport but was not named to the squad for the US friendly. JFF General Secretary Dalton Wint said recently that they are facilitating a number of players, who are interested in representing Jamaica, attaining passports.

Efforts to contact Wint regarding the status of the other English-born debutants for the US friendly proved unsuccessful.

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com

England-based players set for debuts

Liam Moore - Reading FC

Andre Gray - Watford FC

Ethan Pinnock - Brentford FC

Curtis Tilt - Wigan Athletic

Amari Bell - Blackburn Rovers

Wesley Harding - Rotherham United