Victory over the USA bittersweet for Reggae Boy

Ryon Jones, Staff Reporter

As the country erupted with delight on Friday night following the senior men's football team's first ever victory over the United States (US), midfielder Errol Stevens could not help but to feel a certain degree of sadness, as injury had forced him to miss out on being in the thick of things.

"To be honest, I am having mixed emotions because I'm really glad the team made history by beating the US," Stevens told The Sunday Gleaner after the game. "I was in the stands, in the bleachers section; I could have sat in the VIP area or the grandstand, but I wanted to feel the true feeling as a spectator, which will motivate me even more when I return ... ," he added.

The skilful, attacking midfielder was forced to watch from the stands due a swelling in his right knee which was first noticed during preparations for the opening two CONCACAF World Cup qualifying semi-final Group A matches against Guatemala and Antigua and Barbuda.

"There is some swelling on the inside of the right knee," Stevens disclosed. "They are suggesting that I do surgery, but I want to do an MRI to first see what the real problem is, then I can take it from there. The pain has just kept coming on more and more and the swelling has kept getting larger to the point now where it is really unbearable," he added.

Stevens confident

Stevens, who is set to miss four to six weeks of action, is confident that the Reggae Boyz will progress to the final round and is looking forward to the opportunity to meet the US then.

"I know I could have been out there a mash up two a di US players, but dem escape and dem still lose," a giggling Stevens shared. "I guess I am going to have to catch them in the top six because I know Jamaica is going to be there, so it is just if they (US) are going to be there," he added.

Stevens was very impressed with the contribution made by the scorer of Jamaica's first goal, Rodolph Austin. Austin, he believes, is a pivotal player for the team.

" ... I am really impressed with Rodolph (Austin)," Stevens disclosed. "Every game he fights for Jamaica 100 per cent and it's a big inspiration to even me as a player when I see him out there," he added.

Despite the doubts surrounding the ability of the team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, especially prior to Friday night's win, Stevens remains confident that they can get to Brazil.

"No matter what persons are saying about the team, I know the players and their ambitions and we can make it," he said.

The former Greater Portmore High School student has played for local clubs, Harbour View, Tivoli Gardens, Portmore United and is currently a member of Arnett Gardens. He has also played abroad with Russian Premier League side FC Khimki and Vietnamese outfit Hanoi FC.

ryon.jones@gleanerjm.com