3 months ago
10
WHILE ANNOUNCING his squad for the upcoming Unity Cup in England last week, Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren said the window of opportunity for Ravel Morrison’s return to the national programme is still open, under the right conditions.
Over the last few days, the Jamaica Football Federation submitted both their squads for the Unity Cup and a 60-man preliminary squad for the Concacaf Gold Cup.
Morrison, excluded from both lists, has been enjoying a prolific season with his club Precision FC in the United Arab Emirates third division, where he was named the Coaches’ Player of the Year.
The midfielder last featured for the Reggae Boyz in the 2023 Concacaf Nations League campaign in a 2-2 draw with Mexico.
He was also called up for the 2024 Nations League quarterfinals against the United States yet did not win any minutes on the field.
McClaren explained that the level of competition Morrison faces in the UAE’s third division is too low to ensure he is competitive at the international level.
While having fond memories of working alongside the midfielder, McClaren said he cannot allow his past connections with the player to affect his current selection process.
“I love Ravel. I worked with him for a year in Derby County and I love him as a personality and as a player, he is fantastic. There would be nothing better for me than to be able to pick Ravel at the top of his game,” the Reggae Boyz boss said.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
“You can’t live in the past. We’re living in the now and we’re building for the future. When I look around at the players, the first thing I say is ‘What league are they playing in? What is the quality of football that they’re playing in’.”
McClaren said having spoken to Morrison during last year’s Nations League camp, he explained that he will need to move to a stronger league if he wishes to return to national duties.
McClaren stated the strength of the UAE third division, as well as the inability to assess his games on a weekly basis, has factored negatively in the player’s bid to be selected.
“I said to him that we need you playing in a tough competition where you can get up to the standard where you’re demonstrating week after week. The Dubai third division is not of that standard,” he said.
“There is no way that I can even watch him on video. There is no way I can even see him because Wyscout doesn’t have football, therefore I don’t know that level.”
McClaren added, “I have nothing against Ravel. We get on very well but I have got to be honest with him and I’ve got to be honest with everybody. It is about the now and where you’re playing and what standard you’re playing at now.”
The head coach also stated that should Ravel move to a league which meets his standards, then he will have no problem welcoming the midfielder back into the fold.
“With his ability, he should be playing top, top football,” he said. “Then you can demonstrate in the football when playing at a certain level. Then of course, who wouldn’t have Ravel Morrison in the squad playing as a Ravel Morrison can.”
English (US) ·