2 months ago
8
HAVING FEATURED in all four of Jamaica’s recent games across the Unity Cup and Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers, midfielder Jonathan Russell has expressed his desire to play an active role in the future of the national programme.
Russell, who plies his trade for English Football League (EFL) League One club Barnsley, said he wants to be involved in all of Jamaica’s upcoming fixtures for Concacaf Gold Cup and World Cup Qualifiers.
“The aim is to always play for Jamaica all the time and to always be selected,” Russell said.
“Playing a lot of games, that is my aim. I love to play, and that’s what I want to do. I want to play every single game.
“Whatever game I play in now, we have one aim,” he continued.
“It is to win the Gold Cup and progress to the World Cup. However that pans out, I am available and I’m going to be the best that I can.”
Russell made his debut for Jamaica during the 2023 Concacaf Nations League before scoring his first international goal at the 2023 Gold Cup against St Kitts and Nevis.
Despite receiving his first call-up two years ago, the midfielder has only made eight appearances for the Reggae Boyz, as he has been absent from national duty for a prolonged period.
In fact, before his selection for the Unity Cup last month, Russell’s last appearance for the national team was during the match against St Kitts and Nevis in 2023, where he scored his first goal.
The midfielder explained his absence from the various squads has been due to his inconsistency with his club.
“In the past, I have been inconsistent with my club, so it’s been hard to get picked on what I can do, so I think the time is perfect. I have had a good season and I can bring what I have been doing this season into playing for Jamaica,” he said.
BOOST TO WORK HARD
“It’s always a pleasure playing here, and I think the season that I’ve had gave me the boost to work hard. And what I was playing for was to get back into the team, and it was just to get my rhythm back.
Now back into the fold, Russell is determined to stake his place in the squad for the long-term future.
The midfielder, who has occupied various roles throughout his career, says his versatility could prove an asset for the team
“In my career, I’ve been a six. Playing up through Chelsea, I’ve been an eight. At Huddersfield I was more of a six, and at Barnsley now, I’ve been more of an eight and 10. So it’s a bit higher and gives me more freedom to come up and down; box-to-box. It gives me the freedom to create and lots of chances to score,” he explained.
“Being able to adapt to these positions will only help the team, and help the manager in the team that he picks and the way he wants to play. It helps me understand other people’s position when they play midfield as well.” Russell continued.
“I’m used to all three of the positions and I think I’ve thrived in the eight position this year, and I just look to carry those performances here.”
Russell’s immediate aim will be the upcoming Gold Cup, where Jamaica has been drawn in Group C against Panama, Guatemala, and Guadeloupe.
His also eyes a key role in Jamaica’s World Cup-qualifying campaign, where they have advanced to the third round of the Concacaf qualifiers.
Jamaica will learn their opponents for the next round today following a live draw.
The third round of qualifiers will see 12 nations divided into three group of four, with the group winners advancing to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The next two best teams will advance to the inter-continental play-offs for a final chance at World Cup qualification.
English (US) ·