Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Reggae Boyz head coach, Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore, said his players are fully aware of the heightened expectations which lie ahead of them in their big clash against on Panama in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier on Friday at the National Stadium.

The Reggae Boyz held their second training session at the National Stadium yesterday and according to Whitmore, players have been training well and everyone is confident and raring to go.

"I hope that this is the game that we will beat Panama," said Whitmore.

"The players are aware of the situation that we have not beaten Panama here in a long time.

"I know that the Panama team won't be an easy team to beat, but we have a job to do and so the players just have to go out an execute on the day," Whitmore said.

Whitmore added that his coaching staff and players had long got over their historic 0-0 draw with Mexico and everyone is focused on the game against Panama.

"I don't think the result in Mexico will ease the pressure because there will be added pressure on us as everyone is expecting us to come and win the game on Friday," Whitmore said.

"However, everyone has been gelling well together and the players have responded well in training and they are also very fit," he said.

The head coach stated his coaching staff is very happy with the quality at their disposal.

"We are working hard and so any one of the 24 players can be selected in the final 11 on Friday," Whitmore said. "It is good when coaches have a lot of options and so any one who gets the opportunity will have go out there and give a hundred per cent for us."