GORDON WILLIAMS

WASHINGTON DC, United States:

Jobi McAnuff, captain of newly promoted English Premier League (EPL) team Reading, has become a key target for inclusion in Jamaica's 2014 World Cup qualifying (WCQ) campaign, although the midfielder was ruled out of back-to-back games against the United States early next month.

According to Alfredo Montesso, assistant head coach for Jamaica's senior men's team, McAnuff met Jamaica Football Federation representatives while the player was in the island last month on vacation.

McAnuff, who Montesso said holds a Jamaican passport, is coveted by the national programme for his football skills and leadership, which the coaching staff believe will help him assimilate into the team and have immediate positive impact.

"Once we bring a player to the team, with a short period of time to put them with the chemistry in the team, we have to look for those kinds of players that will come and wear the (national) jersey, step on the field and do the job," said Montesso.

"We cannot have time to bring a player and adapt him with the team, with not too much experience, or playing in a league or club that is not giving him that kind of experience.

"Actually (McAnuff) is a kind of player that has been playing all season for his club, you know, and also he not only plays, but he captains the team," Montesso added. "He brings leadership. He brings quality in the midfield. He is creative. Good passer. His approach inside the 18-yard box - he scores goals with his team. This is something that is very important as well."

Several British clubs

McAnuff, 30, has played for several British clubs since turning professional in 2001, including Wimbledon, West Ham United, Cardiff City, Crystal Palace and Watford. He has scored a dozen goals in 116 appearances since joining Reading FC in 2009.

McAnuff has not joined the Reggae Boyz because, according to Montesso, he and Reading agreed he should not leave the club at the start of the new season. The club's rise from the English Championship last season will enable him to play in top flight club competition for the first time in his pro career. Reading face Stoke City on August 18 in their 2012-2013 season opener.

According to Montesso, McAnuff would "maybe" be available for two WCQ - against Guatemala and Antigua and Barbuda - in October. The player, meanwhile, is zeroed in on his EPL debut.

"Growing up as a kid, the aim is to get into the Premier League," he told Reading's website on August 16.

Jamaica have maintained interest in other English-based players, including striker Jermaine Beckford of Championship club Leicester City, and winger David "Junior" Hoilett, of the EPL's Queens Park Rangers. Montesso admitted, however, that both may be long shots to join the Boyz.