Whitmore wants Hector, Mariappa
We have to reward the players who do well in the Premier League, but as much as possible, we want to strike a balance ...
NATIONAL FOOTBALL head coach Theodore Whitmore is pushing to have at least two Europe-based Reggae Boyz in the squads for the Caribbean Cup and Gold Cup football competitions this summer.
Whitmore revealed yesterday that contact has been made with defenders Michael Hector, who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga; and Adrian Mariappa of English Premier League (EPL) club Watford.
Mariappa and Hector – who is on loan from EPL champions Chelsea – are yet to confirm their participation.
“We have made contact with only two – Hector and Mariappa – but the players have not confirmed their availability as yet. We are, however, looking to have them for the Caribbean Cup and Gold Cup. We will not be having any Europe-based players for the Peru friendly,” Whitmore said.
The 30-year-old Mariappa has already played 38 times for Jamaica, while 24year-old Hector has eleven caps.
While Whitmore has big plans for a number of the local youngsters currently in training, he needs experienced overseas players to balance the squad and USbased players, Je-vaughn Watson, Jermaine Taylor, Kemar Lawrence and Alvas Powell are also expected to be called for the Peru friendly.
FAIR CHANCE
Whitmore, however, insisted that as long as he is in charge of the national team, local players would get their fair chance.
“We have to reward the players who do well in the Premier League, but as much as possible, we want to strike a balance between the players from the United States Major League Soccer and the players who play locally ... so everybody will get a fair chance,” he added.