DOB: 6.4.1983
HEIGHT: 5ft 7in
POSITION: Midfield/forward
CAPS: 12
DEBUT: 2003
GOALS: 0
CURRENT CLUB: Barnsley
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Charlton Athletic, Leyton Orient, Wimbledon, Chesterfield, Rotherham United, Southend United and Colchester United.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

This England-born tricky winger has established himself as a firm favourite of the Jamaican people in the time that he has pledged his allegiance to the country of his parents’ birth. His dribbling skills and willingness to run at defenders gives the impression that he learnt his football on the island. In full flight he is a joy to watch.

But while his creative ability is appreciated he sometimes likes to hold on to the ball much too long which does not always serve the team well. This quality is not readily accepted by professional clubs especially in Europe. This could explain why he has played for no fewer than eight clubs in his professional career.

DOB: 25.6.1980
HEIGHT:
POSITION: Winger/Midfielder
CAPS: 53
GOALS: 5
CURRENT CLUB: Sheffield Wednesday
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Tivoli Gardens, Bolton Wanderers, Oldham Athletic, Bradford City

The moment Jermaine Johnson was spotted playing for Jamaica’s Under-20 team in his signature white boots, he was marked as special. Quick and with an explosive change of pace and mind-boggling dribbling skills, Johnson has the ability to go by defenders at will.

His skills earned him the distinction of being the first Jamaican to be signed directly into the English Premier League when he joined Ricardo Gardner at Bolton Wanderers. He started out brightly with an impressive game against Arsenal but did not display the kind of consistency required to excel at that level and was loaned out before returning home. A couple of chances later in the UK and he is rebuilding his career.

DOB: January 21, 1981
HEIGHT: 6ft 1in
POSITION: Sweeper
CAPS: 17
GOALS: 0
CURRENT CLUB: Chivas USA
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Hazard FC, Dallas Burn, Kansas City Wizards, Los Angeles Galaxy.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

Captained Jamaica’s team to the Under-20 World Championships in Argentina 2001

Shavar Thomas was groomed to become the automatic successor to Durrent “Tatty” Brown, Jamaica’s last classy sweeper, but is still to cement his place almost 10 years after making his debut as a teenager. A natural leader, Thomas has represented the country at all official age group levels and has always commanded the respect of his peers but appears to struggle to get the same from successive head coaches.

He was recalled for the current campaign ahead of the first Mexico encounter and has maintained a place in the squad under interim coach Theodore Whitmore. Could this be his time?

DOB: 14.12.1983
HEIGHT: 5ft 5in
POSITION: forward/midfielder
CAPS: 7
GOALS: 0
CURRENT CLUB: Red Bull New York

PREVIOUS CLUBS:

ACHIEVEMENTS:

Richards’ national career was perhaps hampered by his decision to continue his education in the United States when he accepted a scholarship as a 19-year-old in 2003. A year earlier at 18, he made his debut for the national senior team after creating waves in the daCosta Cup under the guidance of coach Dr Dean Weatherly.

Speedy and skillful, the little player, who is capable of playing as a forward/winger or as a midfielder, is capable of destroying any defense on his day. In the United States he holds the record for San Jacinto with 45 goals in two years and continued his impressive form for Clemson University where he earned All-American honours.

Upon graduation he was drafted by the New York Red Bulls in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft and had such an impressive season that he was narrowly beaten for the honour of Rookie of the Year. His performance reminded the Jamaica Football Federation of his abilities and he was rewarded by being called up to the national team for friendlies against El Salvador (Nov. 18) and Guatemala (Nov. 21) in Kingston. He played in both matches which ended in victories for the Reggae Boyz.

DOB: 11.8. 1983
HEIGHT: 6ft 3in
POSITION: Midfielder/Defender
CAPS: 11
GOALS: 0
CURRENT CLUB: Nottoden FC (Sweden)

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Boys’ Town FC

ACHIEVEMENTS:

Thompson is a solidly-built utility player who is comfortable in central defence or in the center of midfield. Not the quickest on his feet, Thompson relies on timing to get the job done.

Despite his height, he is comfortable on the ball and is capable of passing the ball over distance. He is a good striker of the ball and shoots well from distance.

Having made his name as a schoolboy for Bridgeport Comprehensive in the Manning Cup, he graduated to the Boys Town setup where he distinguished himself in the local Premier League before being offered an opportunity abroad. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands becoming the first Jamaican footballer to settle in Norway. He has since been joined Fabian Taylor, Khari Stephenson, Luton Shelton and Rodolph Austin.