LIVINGSTON SCOTT, STAR writer

National Under-17 football head coach, Andrew Edwards, says his team is unlikely to perform as disappointingly as their under 20 counterparts, when they travel to the CONCACAF Under-17 championship, in Honduras from February 27 to March 15.

The under-20s failed miserably in their attempt to qualify for the 2015 Youth World Cup in New Zealand.

Now it is the 17s turn, and Edwards is satisfied with the progress the squad has made.

He pointed out that his squad has been in training for a far longer period and have played more quality practice games. In addition, his squad already has a core of players in training.

His only concern is the number of international practice games the team has played.

Best players

"We have a core of about 14 to 16 players that we are satisfied with and what we are doing now is supplementing that core with depth, to add strength and value to the team," he said.

He continued that the coaching staff was working to assemble the best players and he thinks they are on the right path.

"The thing what we are most concerned with right now is international practice matches and a few injuries. They (injuries) are not real serious, but we are monitoring them to ensure we leave Jamaica with a clean bill of health for all players."

Despite the lack of competitive fixtures leading up the championship, Edwards says they are still working hard to improve and to make the players better and he is content that they have done enough to make a rewarding tournament.

Twelve teams divided into two groups will contest the CONCACAF U17 final round.

Jamaica will compete in Group A alongside hosts Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, Cuba and the winner of a play-off between El Salvador and Guatemala.

The young Reggae Boyz are looking to qualify for their third U17 World Cup.