McClaren expresses confidence in Reggae Boyz ahead of Nations League game against Honduras

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National senior men’s football team Head Coach Steve McCLaren (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

KINGSTON, Jamaica- As he seeks to get his first win in charge of the Reggae Boyz, head coach Steve McClaren says he’s expecting the team to rise to the challenge against hosts Honduras on Tuesday in their second group game of the Concacaf Nations League.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 pm.

The national senior men’s team, who finished third in the 2023/2024 edition of the regional competition, were unable to hit the ground running for the 2024/25 campaign after a surprise goalless draw with 167th ranked Cuba on Friday at the National Stadium.

Jamaica will now face a tougher assignment with Honduras who are coming off a 4-0 demolition of Trinidad and Tobago.

McClaren praised his opposite number, Reinaldo Rueda, for the work he’s done with the Central American side.

“He’s had over a year with them and you can see how they’ve developed. You can see what he started with and what they are now, they’ve improved a lot. They’re a very good team, possession based, like to keep the ball, good in transition and strong defensively. It doesn’t surprise me so coming here, for us, is a big challenge, a huge challenge and one in which I expect my players to accept and to deal with and we’ll work to get a result,” said McClaren.

However, the Boyz record against Honduras has been a favourable one, going unbeaten in their last six meetings including a 1-0 win last September. They also recorded an away win in 2021 during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

Though not having the home crowd to their favour, McClaren isn’t expecting his team to be phased by it.

“It’s a hostile atmosphere but we’ve got players who play in that hostile atmosphere every week in the Premier League or the Championship. I expect them to deal with that, play with composure,” he said.

“Honduras is a great game for me and the players. This is what they thrive on, they’re playing in the championship or the Premier League, they have this every week. I expect them to deal with it, handle it and perform well.”

Defender Amari’i Bell says the team’s confidence level has improved despite their setback against Cuba.

“We had a good game the other day which we thought we could have gotten more from the game but we’re ready to be here now and come with full force to get the three points,” Bell said.

“It’s not going to be easy, we know the environment will be tough, it’s going to be a lot of fans supporting the Honduran team but we’ll be ready. Every time we step onto the field, we believe in ourselves, we believe in our abilities so we’re only here to win and look forward to doing so.”

Though admitting it’s a tough task, McClaren says he’s expecting nothing less than a victory.

“It’s big points, it’s a step towards qualification for the quarterfinals of the Nations League so that’s the target. We played one game, we played very well but didn’t get the result. We really need to play well (Tuesday) and fight as a team to get a result and put us back in contention to qualify,” said McClaren.

There’s been one change to the squad as reserve goalkeeper Conniah Boyce-Clarke has been replaced by Mount Pleasant Football Academy’s Shaquan Davis.

The Reggae Boyz, who arrived in Honduras on Saturday evening, had two training sessions on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning.

Jamaica are currently fourth in the group with one point, while Honduras sit atop with three points.

Full Squad: Goalkeepers – Andre Blake, Jahmali Waite, Shaquan Davis

Defenders – Damion Lowe, Di’Shon Bernard, Ethan Pinnock, Amari’i Bell, Greg Leigh, Richard King, Joel Latibeaudiere

Midfielders – Kasey Palmer, Karoy Anderson, Bobby Reid, Jon Russell, Adrian Reid Jr.

Forwards – Michail Antonio, Shamar Nicholson, Demarai Gray, Jamal Lowe, Kaheim Dixon, Norman Campbell

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McClaren expresses confidence in Reggae Boyz ahead of Nations League game against Honduras

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