Jamaica's Reggae Boyz have been boosted by the addition of five Europe-based players to the squad of 22, who are currently preparing for an international friendly against Panama at the National Stadium on Sunday.
Playing without a number of key overseas-based players, the Reggae Boyz gave a good account of themselves against both Haiti and El Salvador over the past weekends.
Joining the squad are exciting left-sided player Demar Phillips of Aalesunds FK in Norway and his club mate, midfielder Khari Stephenson, who last represented the country in early 2008. The nippy and skilful midfielder Jamal Campbell-Ryce, who last played on local soil in November 2008, and the emerging midfield giant Rodolph Austin, a key figure in Jamaica's victory in the Digicel Caribbean Championships in December 2008, are also invited.
Completing the list of new Europe-based invitees is forward Luton Shelton of Aalborg in Denmark. Shelton arrived in the island last Friday, while the quartet of Phillips, Stephenson, Campbell-Ryce and Austin will arrive today. Forward Nicholas Addlery, who scored on his debut against Haiti recently, will arrive on Friday in search of his third cap.
impressive performances
Already in the island are Claude Davis (Derby County), Damion Stewart (Queens Park Rangers), Jermaine Johnson (Sheffield Wednesday), Jason Morrison (Ferencvaros), Wolry Wolfe (Ferencvaros) and Rafe Wolfe (Ferencvaros).
Following impressive performances against Haiti and El Salvador, Harbour View central midfielder Richard Edwards, and the Tivoli Gardens duo of Navian Boyd and Roland Dean have retained their places in the squad. Also returning are Adrian Reid who stood out against El Salvador, Tivoli Gardens utility player Oraine Simpson, Meadhaven's Keammar Daley and the Digicel Premier League's top scorer Devon Hodges, who did not look out of place after entering the field of play as a substitute against El Salvador last Saturday.
Desmond Breakenridge of Arnett Gardens, who did not travel to Fort Lauderdale or Washington, DC, for the friendly internationals against Haiti and El Salvador, respectively, could get his chance on Sunday as he has been recalled.