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McClaren seeks wins, greater depth for Jamaica’s midfield
June 04, 2025
As they seek to win upcoming World Cup Qualifiers, Reggae Boyz head Steve McClaren has expressed a hope of improving his midfield options.
Jamaica's senior men's football team will play the British Virgin Islands on June 7 in an away fixture, before hosting Guatemala on June 10 at the National Stadium.
The two fixtures will close out the Reggae Boyz's Group E games. They now sit second, level with group leaders Guatemala, who boast a better goal difference.
Speaking at a press conference while announcing his squad for the upcoming games, McClaren said the objective will be to gain all six points on offer and finish atop the group.
McClaren praised the team for its performance at the recently concluded Unity Cup, where they finished as runners-up after a penalty shoot-out loss against Nigeria in Saturday's final.
"From the beginning of the week to the end, the players were exemplary with their work," he said of the Unity Cup last week.
"We want to carry that on to the World Cup Qualifiers, and the obvious goal for this is to continue this way of playing and to get better at that. The key is to win the two games, without a doubt, and then gain momentum going towards the Gold Cup."
The coach has also expressed wanting more depth in his midfield options.
"We've got other players coming into the midfield, but am I satisfied with that? No," he said.
"If we get injuries in that area then we'll need greater depth. We have that depth in a majority of areas, but in terms of the names and the depth, then no, we haven't, so we're still searching and trying to get better in that area."
Despite his concerns, the coach said the likes of Isaac Hayden, Jon Russell and Kasey Palmer have proven that they are ready for the midfield task.
"We're always looking to improve. I've got to say Isaac Hayden has settled in very well and has showed his experience and maturity in the squad," he said.
"I think one of the big pluses from the Unity Cup is the form of Jon Russell coming into that midfield. He came in our first camp, had troubles with his club and sorted them out and changed his position."
