Gordon William, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica captain Ricardo Gardner (left) says he will still be available for national duty, if called. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

JAMAICA'S ELIMINATION from World Cup 2010 has left several senior players willing to press on with their international careers, but at least one is ready to call it quits to make way for a younger crop of Reggae Boyz.

Following Jamaica's 3-0 win over Canada on Wednesday night, which was not enough to carry the Reggae Boyz into the final round of CONCACAF qualification, captain Ricardo Gardner and Andy Williams said they were willing to continue wearing the national colours if called on. Both were members of Jamaica's only World Cup finals appearance in 1998 and will be well into their 30s by the time another World Cup campaign comes around.

"I'm always available, once I'm fit," said the 30-year-old Gardner who has played more than 100 times for Jamaica.

"I mean, it's up to the (Jamaica Football) federation whether they call me or not," he said.

Digicel Caribbean Cup

Unlike Gardner, Williams, who played for United States Major League Soccer (MLS) club Real Salt Lake this season, will likely be available for the Digicel Caribbean Cup next month. He said he plans to rejoin the Reggae Boyz if needed.

"If I am playing up to par and they decide to call me, I don't see why not," the 31-year-old midfielder with more than 80 caps for Jamaica explained.

"I still want to represent my country, even though I'm sure they will be looking towards the younger guys and exposing them."

However, Tyrone Marshall confirmed he might have played his last game for his country.

"For me, that's it," said the 33-year-old Marshall after Wednesday's game. "Tonight could be my last game with the national team ... I'm leaning towards retirement.

"I'm willing to step aside and give the young players a chance," he added after another solid showing against Canada. "I want to step away on my own terms and I did that tonight."

Marshall, who has played more than 50 times for Jamaica, did not hide his disappointment that the Boyz failed to advance in qualification. He was especially upset that Jamaica dropped eight of a possible nine points after the first three CONCACAF semi-final round matches because, he claimed, the best team was not selected by fired national coach René Simoes.

That changed when Theodore Whitmore took over from the Brazilian. But the team was left with thoughts of what might have been.

"When you look back it was disappointing," Marshall said, "especially when we finally put our best team on the pitch. We didn't do that in the first few games."

Marshall said although he would continue with professional club football with Toronto in the MLS, he would discuss his international retirement with his family before making his decision final. However, he does not believe he will change his mind, especially when there is no place for Jamaica on the game's biggest stage.

Missed his final chance

"To come and play and it's not meaningful, the vibes will not be good," he said of missing his final chance to play in the World Cup. "So I think it's fair for the other guys to step in."

Several other members of Jamaica's squad which played against Canada are hovering around age 30, meaning they are unlikely to be in contention for places when the campaign for the 2014 World Cup begins. Yet the immediate international futures of stalwarts like Ian Goodison (36 this month), Donovan Ricketts (31) and Claude Davis (29) are still to be confirmed.

John Barnes, who took over control of Jamaica's senior team following the Canada match, believes he will have quality replacements, first for the Digicel Caribbean Cup and, if Jamaica qualifies, next year's CONCACAF Gold Cup.

"They are going to be players who are there to take their (those retiring or unavailable) places," Barnes said on Wednesday night while admitting he could be without most of his European-based players for those campaigns. "What we are going to have to do is have a philosophy of an identity within the team ... and if they (the replacement players) show the same desire and commitment as Jamaica's last three games then the future looks bright."

Gordon Williams is a Jamaican journalist based in the United States.