1 month ago
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Steve McClaren, Reggae Boyz head coach, said Demarai Gray’s injury opened the door for Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards’ return to the national programme for the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers.
Jamaica will face Curaçao in a top-of-the-table clash at 6 p.m. Jamaica time today in their third match of Group B action.
McClaren, who had named his 26-man squad last week, was forced to make a change to his set-up as Demarai Gray, who was selected for the October window, was sidelined through injury.
Richards was selected as Gray’s replacement and this marks a return for the forward who last played for Jamaica in October 2023.
The teenager made his debut for Jamaica at age 17, under former head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson in March 2023, and has made 10 appearances for the senior team.
However, Richards was sidelined through an ACL injury for more than 200 days.
He returned to the field in August this year for Chelsea Under-21 during a 3-1 victory over Manchester City Under-21 in the Premier League 2 (PL2).
Perfect opportunity
Although Richards was not initially selected for McClaren’s squad, the Reggae Boyz boss said Gray’s withdrawal presented the perfect opportunity to bring him back into the fold.
“Losing Demarai was a big blow. He was one of our best players and he played really well for Birmingham, so we’re really disappointed but it gives somebody else the opportunity to come in, and Whisper has got that.”
McClaren explained he has been closely following Richard’s progress at Chelsea and had always intended to call up the teenager.
He explained, however, Richards was initially omitted from the squad, as he held concerns surrounding his match fitness.
Those concerns were dismissed as Richards played all 90 minutes in the Chelsea U21 1-0 win over Burnley in the PL2.
“He had an injury last season and we’ve followed his progress during the summer and the off-season,” he said. “We’ve followed him and been in contact with Chelsea every week about his condition.
“He’s been getting minutes; he played 90 minutes last week and I think he is somebody who, one, I’ve always wanted in the squad, two, to have a look, and three, to have a look at his character, his personality and how he fits into the group.”
He continued, “I think this is a perfect time to bring him in. Yes, it was short notice but we didn’t think he was fit enough. But, after playing 90 minutes last week, we realised he is.”
Richards has played six games for Chelsea’s U21 since his return, and scored two goals.
McClaren said it was important to find a replacement for Gray, as much of Jamaica’s attack will rely on the pace and skill of the team’s wingers.
He said Richards, along with Renaldo Cephas, Kaheim Dixon and Tyreece Campbell, will play pivotal roles in the team’s tactics.
“It’s important that we bring somebody in, and we chose Whisper. I’ve followed Whisper since I’ve got the job,” he explained.
“We have three wingers in Kaheim and Tyreece Campbell and Cephas and we need another one, because they have all the energy and do all the work.”
English (US) ·