Jamaican soccer star Leon Bailey has been named in head coach Stephen McClaren’s 24-man squad for the extremely anticipated CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals in opposition to the US, marking his long-awaited return to the nationwide group line-up.
Jamaica will first host the U.S. in Kingston on Thursday, earlier than the collection shifts stateside for the second leg on November 18.
The Reggae Boyz, below McClaren’s management, have struggled offensively at residence, failing to attain in current matches in opposition to Cuba and Honduras. Their final residence victory dates again to June, when striker Shamar Nicholson secured a 1-0 win over the Dominican Republic, a consequence that closed the tenure of former head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. McClaren acknowledged the necessity for enchancment, particularly given their current challenges.
“It’s regarding that we haven’t gained at residence since June,” McClaren acknowledged, underscoring the significance of bolstering their offense. “We have to discover methods to be extra threatening on the sphere. In our first recreation in opposition to Cuba, we created 27 possibilities, lots of them very stable, so I wasn’t too frightened initially. Nonetheless, the match in opposition to Honduras was disappointing. It appeared neither group needed to threat a loss, given the standings. However transferring ahead, we’d like a significant shift in how we assault to show the Nationwide Stadium again into ‘The Workplace.’”
Lingering accidents
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Bailey’s return comes after he missed two worldwide home windows as a consequence of lingering accidents. Following his restoration, he has resumed full matches with Aston Villa, together with a current 65-minute look in opposition to Liverpool within the EPL. McClaren expressed enthusiasm for the ahead’s renewed type. “Leon was so unfortunate to overlook the primary two camps, battling niggles alongside the best way. Now, he’s totally match and keen to hitch the squad. I advised him, ‘Lastly, we’ll see Leon Bailey,’ and he’s thrilled to be again,” mentioned McClaren.
Isaac Hayden, the midfielder at present with Newcastle within the English Premier League, is ready to make his debut for Jamaica after accepting his first call-up to the Reggae Boyz. With this squad, McClaren goals to inject recent power and expertise as he enters his third group choice since moving into the function in August.
Reggae Boyz Squad: Goalkeepers: Andre Blake, Jahmali Waite, Shaquan Davis; Defenders: Dexter Lembikisa, Tavern Grey, Damion Lowe, Mason Holgate, Ethan Pinnock, Richard King, Di’shon Bernard, Amari’i Bell, Greg Leigh; Midfielders: Joel Latibeaudiere, Isaac Hayden, Karoy Anderson, Kasey Palmer, Tyreek Magee; Forwards: Leon Bailey, Kaheim Dixon, Shamar Nicholson, Romario Williams, Demarai Grey, Renaldo Cephas, Michail Antonio.