November 28, 2012
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Star Sport |
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Unhappy Burrell - Hoilett still on hold |
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Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president, Captain Horace Burrell, has admitted to some level of disappointment with the indecision of talented Queens Park Rangers midfielder Junior Hoilett, following a recent recruitment trip to the United Kingdom. Despite being regarded as a top priority ahead of the scouting mission, where Burrell was joined by Reggae Boyz head coach Theodore Whitmore and assistant coach Alfredo Montesso, Hoilett was not among the eight players earmarked to join up with the national team ahead of next year's CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers. Initially approached to join the national squad a few months ago, Leicester City's Jermaine Beckford and Reading's Jobi McAnuff, who already has one cap for Jamaica, along with Hoilett, all asked for more time to consider the decision. Beckford and McAnuff were among the players who recently accepted the invitation to join the team, but on their most recent visit, Hoilett again asked the JFF for more time, a situation that has not left the JFF boss entirely happy. "I am disappointed with Hoilett, when we spoke to him several months ago he had indicated that he needed more time. We went back to England, spoke to him again, and he has asked for more time, I don't know how much more he needs," Burrell said. Beckford and McAnuff were among eight new overseas-based recruits to the national squad, ahead of February's final round of matches. "If a player has a genuine reason why he can't come now we would understand, but in the case of Hoilett, I am extremely disappointed," Burrell said. "I want to make it clear that it is his decision ... and I respect it, but I am disappointed." Hoilett has been a source of frustration for both the JFF and Canadian Soccer Association, as he qualifies to play for both countries, but has turned down numerous requests to join both squads. Canada were eliminated from the previous round of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, following a heavy loss to Honduras. The midfielder recently expressed an interest in playing for England, but, as things stand, does not qualify to be selected for the English national team.
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