‘Tappa’ searches for balance - with local inactive and seasoned overseas-based players

Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore, Reggae Boyz head coach, is hoping to get his team balance right when they face the USA in an international friendly in Austria tomorrow, 100.pm Jamaica time.

Whitmore named six new England-based players to the squad along with nine local-based players, five of whom have international experience, and, therefore, getting the mix right is a priority for the coach.

"We have to get a good complement going into the game. But we have to be cautious about the players overseas who are in competition and our local players who aren't in competition and who haven't played for a whole year now," he noted.

The former national midfielder is, however, pleased that a number of the new overseas-based players, the majority of whom are defenders, can play a variety of positions.

"In defence you have different positions and at least three of the players can play dual positions, including central midfield," he added.

England-born players

Whitmore, a two-goal hero from the country's only participation in the World Cup in 1998, also believes that the new England-born players are committed to the programme and are ready to give their all.

"From the players arrived we have had one-on-one discussions. We have to look to the game on Thursday and ensure that everyone can give up 110 per cent..

"I haven't spoken to all of them (England-based players). I have only gotten the chance to speak with a few.

"But the ones that I have spoken to are very committed. They want to be here and they want to give a 110 per cent," he said.

Meanwhile, the team conducted its first training session yesterday and the two members of the party that turned up positive COVID-19 results on Monday, returned negative tests yesterday.

However, two new members, one local- and one England-based, tested positive and had to train separate from the main group yesterday.

In the last round of test, all members of the party tested negative. And if the two that tested positive yesterday return a second negative result today, they will be cleared for training tomorrow and the game on Thursday.