Alvas Powell

MONTERREY, Mexico:

Jamaica, facing possible elimination from the 2011 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, will be forced to take the field in their final group game without one of the Young Reggae Boyz main physical and motivational forces.

Utility player Alvas Powell will be serving a one-match suspension, after picking up his second caution on Tuesday against Argentina, making him unavailable to go against France tomorrow.

significant impact

Powell's loss is expected to have significant impact, especially since Jamaica, with two losses from two games so far, enter the match against the Group B co-leaders in must-win mode and only a slim chance of qualifying for the Round of 16 in youth football's biggest show.

The 16-year-old, nicknamed 'Bigga', a 10th-grader from Paul Bogle High, was among Jamaica's best performers against Japan and Argentina, playing the full 90 minutes in both games.

"It is a major blow to us," coach Wendell Downswell said of the loss. "(Powell) is one our most outstanding players so far, both from the qualifiers up until this point.

"(Teammates) look up to him. He comes with that kind of professional attitude. He's a person with a lion heart. Whether injured or not, he gives his best, 100 per cent. So he will be missed by the team."

Downswell is hoping Powell's loss will be used as a motivational point for his struggling team. Teammates readily acknowledged Powell's importance to Jamaica.

"He is a key player on our team," said Romario Williams yesterday. "He is a leader."

disappointment

But while the Jamaican contingent here lamented Powell's non-participation in the upcoming encounter with France, he appeared to be taking the disappointment the hardest.

"I did know (about the first caution received in the fifth minute against Japan last Saturday), but I tried my best not to get another yellow card to how the game was running heated, but I couldn't help it," said Powell, while explaining how he picked up a second caution in the 56th minute against Argentina.

"Even (during) Argentina game, I was crying as I got the yellow card. I was crying inside myself because I know I was gonna miss the next match and the last World Cup match for me. I feel very, very down and disappointed."

He was especially hurt because he felt he failed his teammates who look up to him on the field.

"I let them down big time," said Powell.

However, Powell said he planned to still be involved in Jamaica's preparations for France, helping to boost team morale.

"I encourage them," he said, "even when I'm not playing I say go out there and fight, just fight for our country That's all I ask them to do."

Downswell will be demanding the same from Jamaica. The imposing Powell was moved from central defence, where he played against Japan, to start in central midfield against Argentina as the Boyz sought more offensive punch. Romario Jones, who entered the Argentina game as a substitute, is expected replace Powell. The coach knows a lynchpin of his team will be unavailable, but according to Downswell, Powell's absence will give someone else a chance to shine.

"This is an opportunity for other youngsters to showcase their talent," he said, "and we are confident we can find a replacement who will do us justice as it relates to the tactical part of our team."