Steve McClaren identifies Nahki Wells as a threat
Jamaica coach Steve McClaren has singled out Nahki Wells as a threat when his side meet Bermuda in the final stage of Fifa World Cup qualifying on Friday night.
Speaking during the announcement of the Reggae Boyz squad for the fixtures against Bermuda and Trinidad & Tobago, McClaren, who worked with Wells when he was coach at Queens Park Rangers, identified the 35-year-old as the danger man his Jamaica defence must watch closely.
“I’m looking forward to the two games we've got,” McClaren said.
“Bermuda on Friday, I know Nahki Wells very well. I coached him and he’s just been brought into the squad, so he’ll be a big threat.”
McClaren has been keeping an eye on Bermuda and identified the Gombey Warriors’ courage as a key component of the team’s success.
“They've got such tremendous spirit, which we have to match, and we have to respect the opponent,” he said. “We know that from our experiences against British Virgin Islands and St Vincent that there are no easy games in the Caribbean, and this one will not be.”
McClaren is disappointed that former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood has decided against committing to play, even after he acquired his Jamaican passport.
“Mason Greenwood finally acquired his passport,” McClaren said.
“We expected him to be coming to this camp, but in a conversation with his family, he’s not going to commit to anybody at this time. He’s taking his time over that and we’re disappointed, but we have to be a little patient but keep pursuing him.
“I know from my conversations with Mason that he loves and respects Jamaica. He wants to focus on club football and not commit to an international team at the present moment.”
Winger Leon Bailey is also out of contention after picking up a knock during his first training session last week with Roma, where he is on loan from Aston Villa.
Their absence means McClaren could again rely on Michail Antonio.
The 35-year-old forward, who was part of the Jamaica squad at this year’s Gold Cup, is playing for West Ham United’s under-21 team to maintain fitness after being released by the club at the end of last season.
“Michail Antonio is in the squad because from Day 1; he’s been the most committed and he wants to see Jamaica at the 2026 World Cup,” McLaren said.
Goalkeepers: Shaquan Davis, Jahmali Waite, Tafari Chambers
Defenders: Dexter Lembikisa, Kyle Duncan, Damion Lowe, Richard King, Ethan Pinnock, Mason Holgate, Amari'i Bell, Greg Leigh
Midfielders: Isaac Hayden, Ian Fray, Jon Russell, Kasey Palmer, Karoy Anderson, Kevon Lambert
Forwards: Kaheim Dixon, Damarai Bell, Renaldo Cephas, Tyreece Campbell, Warner Brown, Bailey Cadamarteri, Michail Antonio, Shamar Nicholson
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