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Jermaine Beckford ... former Everton English Premier League striker. He now plays for Leicester City in the English Championships.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, United States:
English-born striker Jermaine Beckford is among the top targets Jamaica is recruiting to join the Reggae Boyz as they prepare for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
National coaches have confirmed that the 27-year-old Beckford, who started his career at Chelsea, but currently plays for Leicester City in the English Championships, has acquired a Jamaican passport and is among the players being actively sought by head coach Theodore Whitmore.
"Jermaine Beckford is one of them," Whitmore said yesterday while discussing his intention to immediately bolster Jamaica's squad..
Assistant coach Alfredo Montesso also confirmed that Beckford, who reportedly has scored 145 career goals in 272 appearances for several clubs, including the English Premier League's Everton last season, may be wearing a Jamaica jersey as early as the Boyz' next game, which could be in October.
"Yes, it's a possibility," said Montesso. "We have been talking, myself and Theodore, and we have to consider that."
Beckford's connection to Jamaica comes through his father's side of the family. According to Montesso, Beckford "expressed an interest to come" into Jamaica's football programme. He had been approached to play for Grenada, where he also has roots, but declined. Jamaica's coaching staff also had scouts watch Beckford's performances in England, Montesso said.
Whitmore and Montesso have admitted they are not satisfied with the present squad. Beckford is seen as one who can boost the Boyz.
"We need to improve the quality," said the Brazilian. "The team deserves that. The team deserves a better quality."
And it's not only the strike force, where Jamaica is awaiting the likes of Kavin Bryan and Ricardo Fuller to return from injuries. The pair would complement Omar Cummings, Luton Shelton and Ryan Johnson, who have been the core of Jamaica's attacking options up front in recent times.
"Not only," said Montesso. "I think that we have to look overall."
Whitmore said he has identified several players eligible to play for Jamaica who he plans to offer the opportunity. However, he said he would not reveal those options until he has confirmed the commitment of the players. Still, he vowed there will be fresh blood in Jamaica's line-up soon.
"You have a lot more, which I don't want to even say on record now because we want to speak with the players and see where their interest is at the moment before," he explained. "Then we'll take it from there. But we'll be looking for players for the next couple of games and you'll see new faces for the next couple of games."
Montesso stressed that those invitees will have to prove their willingness by wearing the national colours with pride.
"Every player that seeks to come to the team we have to see it, we have to explain how the team is running and we have to see the commitment that they have to come to wear the Jamaica jersey," he said. "This is what we need to get."
According to the coaches, the introduction of new players to the national programme, however, will not be restricted to those based overseas. One bright local prospect, who has staked his claim for inclusion, is Errol Stevens of Arnett Gardens, who made his debut here against Colombia on Tuesday night. Stevens showed confidence on the ball and was not fazed by the magnitude of the game or the rainy conditions at Lockhart Stadium.
"Errol Stevens, last night on his debut - excellent performance," Whitmore said.
"Stevens, it was his debut game and he played a very good game," Montesso added. "Very confident. Some good points.
Stevens and Beckford are now part of Whitmore's plan. But expect more to be added.
"We wanna widen the pool for a larger amount," Whitmore said." ... We have a couple areas where we want to bring in more players. We want to go overseas to see what we have. Locally, if we have any other talent locally, then we will add to the squad."
Jermaine Beckford (left), in the colours of Leeds United, scores past Manchester United's Wes Brown (centre) and goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak during their English FA Cup third round match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, last year. Leeds won the game 1-0. English-born Beckford has acquired a Jamaican passport.
